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Do you know those Halloween teeth you can get from stores that turn kids’ angelic smiles into a decayed or pointy horror? Just be glad if you need them for your kids. It means Halloween candies have not yet done a number on their teeth. So far.
In Canada, Halloween is a much-awaited event, much like anywhere else in the world. Adults have parties, and children go trick-or-treating, typically in costumes. The adults should be fine at the end of the festivities, but the real scary spirit of Halloween will dawn on them when they get home to their children. What would be the source of their terror? Mounds and mounds of Halloween candies!
What can you do? You can’t deny them the sweet taste of candies conquered, yet you know they’ll pay for it later. Here are some teeth tips to help you get through Halloween (and any other candy-filled season) decay-free.
Sweet Treats for the Kids this Halloween
Avoiding Halloween teeth is not as hard as you might think. First, you need to set the rules for how much they can eat and when so they won’t get a tummy ache or lose their appetite. Some kids are good at following the rules, so don’t get draconian on them if that is the case.
The second tip for keeping your kids’ teeth in good condition is to choose the candy they eat. Not all Halloween candies are bad, so take note of the best and the worst ones to help you make the right choices.
Best Halloween Candies for the Kids
If you don’t want your kids to think of you as the candy-banning ogre, you should allow them some of the Halloween candies they worked so hard to get. The following sweet treats will do the least damage to their teeth.
- Dark chocolate. Chocolate bars are one of the best treats you can give your child because they are generally easier to brush out and have less sugar than other confections. Kids are also more likely to have no problem with chocolates as they come in a wide variety of flavors. White, milk, and dark are all popular, but if your kid likes it, dark chocolate is the best because small quantities of it have health benefits. Cadbury Flake, Mirage, and dark chocolate Bounty bars are all excellent choices.
- Pretzels and crackers. Small packets of pretzels and crackers are easier to brush out since they are not sticky. But you want to look out for those sodium levels. Rold Gold pretzels and Annie’s Homegrown Cheddar Bunnies are fun snacks. Just don’t let them binge.
- Sugar-free gum and candies. Kids probably can’t tell if the gum or candy you give them is sugarless, so go for it. The xylitol in some sugarless gum brands can protect teeth by encouraging the growth of non-acidic bacteria. Good choices for sugar-free gum would be Orbit or Glee.
Worst Halloween Candies for the Kids
The worst Halloween candies and treats are, unfortunately, the ones that kids like the most. The foods that are bad for kids teeth are usually high in sugar and tend to stick on teeth, encouraging bacteria growth and plaque formation. The combination of sugar and plaque creates acid, which leads to the breakdown of the tooth enamel. Once that happens, it’s hello tooth decay.
Avoid the following candies as much as possible:
- Gummies – Haribo Goldbears, Brach’s, Great Value Gummy Bears
- Caramel – Werthers, Mr. Big, Eat-More
- Sour candy – Sour Patch, Hi-Chew, Cry Baby Nitro Sours
- Bubble gum – Airheads, Bubblicious, Bubble Yum
Teeth Protection Tips for Halloween
You can let your kids have fun this Halloween and enjoy their candy bounty without sacrificing the health of their teeth. Follow these teeth tips to have your cake and eat it, too.
Some candies can do more harm to the teeth than other candies.
The list in the previous section will give you a pretty good idea of what type of candies you should let your child have. Avoid anything sticky and hard to dissolve so you will not have a hard time when it comes to brushing them out.
Give your child the candies at the right time
Right after meals is a good time to give sweet treats to your children. They produce the most saliva at that time, which neutralizes the decay-causing acid that forms when you eat something with sugar. Even then, make sure they drink lots of water to wash it all down.
Ask your child to share the Halloween candies.
Instead of resorting to commands or scare tactics, appeal to the generosity in your child. Ask them to donate candies to a good cause and watch them almost fall over themselves giving you their candy. Bring them with you when you bring the candy to your school, church, or food bank to give them the satisfaction of handing it over.
Visit the dentist for regular dental checkups.
The best way to protect children from Halloween teeth is to bring them to the family dentist every six months. These regular dental checkups will prevent cavities and other dental problems.
Ways to Prevent Kids from Having Cavities
Parents have the tough job of making sure their kids don’t get cavities. However, if they have a good dental care strategy, it should not be hard.
Teach them good oral habits early.
Caring for your child’s teeth begins even before they have them! You should keep your baby’s gums free of bacteria by using a finger toothbrush. When the first tooth comes out, you can switch to a baby toothbrush with a bit of toothpaste.
Start flossing when two teeth emerge. When children develop the habit of flossing and brushing regularly early, you won’t have to keep reminding them. Taking regular trips to the dentist also ensures they will not be afraid of them.
Get them enough fluoride.
Fluoride is naturally occurring in water that toughens tooth enamel. It prevents and even reverses the effects of tooth decay in the early stages. While most cities add fluoride to the tap water, not all do. Fluoride in toothpaste can help, but it would be safer to ask your dentist about giving your child fluoride supplements.
Limit some food.
Avoid sugary drinks and food such as candy, soda, and juices. The sugar turns to acid and erodes the tooth enamel. While enamel is tough, enough exposure to sugar can wear them down and lead to cavities over time. If your kids like these types of food and drink, make sure they drink a lot of water and brush their teeth afterward.
Common Dental Problems in Kids |
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| Tooth Decay | Tooth decay is when acid and bacteria in the mouth break down or weaken the enamel of the tooth, often leading to cavities. It is the most common cause of dental emergencies because tooth decay typically comes with a lot of pain and discomfort. Consult your dentist at once to find out if you have tooth decay. |
| Bad Breath | Bad breath or halitosis may be the result of poor dental hygiene. If your kid does not regularly brush their teeth or floss, that could be the reason. |
| Sensitive Teeth | If your child complains about teeth hurting when they drink something hot or cold, it may be an early sign that the enamel has worn away. It may be due to brushing too hard, eating or drinking sugary things, or teeth clenching. Consult your dentist about the cause of your kid’s sensitive teeth. |
Monitoring your kids’ candy consumption is not enough to protect them from possible tooth decay. At Dentistry on the 7th, we care about your child’s oral health care. Visit us and get your kids ready for Halloween.
Pro Tip:
Children should have an oral check by the time they turn two years old. This is crucial to maintaining their oral health care.
Protect Your Kids Teeth With Our Help
Good dental habits and vigilant eyes during Halloween can go a long way towards protecting your kids’ teeth. However, some problems are not obvious or easy to solve without consulting a dentist.
Do yourself and your child a favor by going to a family dentist in Hamilton. Dentistry on 7th caters to the needs of each child and has created a fun and relaxing environment for them. The goal is to prevent problems, so they make it fun for children to come in for checkups and treatments. Dentistry on 7th takes great pride in providing their patients with a caring, friendly, and fun experience. Make an appointment today!
FAQs on Protecting Your Kids Teeth This Halloween
Can decay in enamel be reversed?
No, you cannot reverse decay in enamel once it starts. However, you can keep it from getting worse and developing into a cavity. A sealant applied by a dentist can protect the weakened enamel. Better dental hygiene and adding more fluoride into your diet by drinking fluoridated water or supplements can also help.
Can small cavities go away?
No, cavities do not go away and will only get bigger over time if not treated. Visit your dentist regularly to check for cavities and get treatment right away.
What does a cavity look like?
A cavity is a hole that starts on the tooth’s surface where the enamel has worn away. Cavities start white and are very small, so they are hard to see. A dentist will usually take an X-ray if they suspect a cavity is forming. When they become dark enough to see, the holes have gotten bigger or gone deeper, which is not good. If you think you have cavities, go to your dentist right away.