Tips on Making The Best of Halloween Treats

Posted on November 2, 2022 | Hot Topics

Halloween is in the books! Costume stores are looking barren, yards have been decorated, and the day of sweet indulgence without guilt has come and gone. As we all recover from the endless stream of candy that has undoubtedly come our way, here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

1. Sort the candy. When you’re raiding your five-year-old’s candy bag at 2am or when they inevitably dump it all out to marvel at their loot, separate the stack into two parts. Place anything sticky like caramels or taffy into one pile. In the next pile place the remaining candy.
2. Avoid the first pile. There is a proven cause and effect relationship between extended exposure to sugary or sour substances and dental cavities. The oral bacteria thrives in this environment and converts these substances to acid which can lead to cavities. 
3. Watch your family’s consumption. No one wants to deny their kids of their hard-earned candy but it’s a good idea to limit their consumption. This will mitigate damage to their young teeth. It’s best to agree on a set amount of candy consumption and stick to it. 
4. Chew sugar-free gum. This will help ration your sugar intake and in some cases can actually be beneficial to your oral health. Ingredients like Xylitol and Sorbitol are low calorie sweeteners found in some gum that research has shown starve destructive bacteria and allow your mouth to replenish minerals to your teeth. 
5. Drink More Water. Drinking flouridated water can help make your teeth more cavity resistant, according to the American Dental Association. Drinking water regularly, especially after eating a sugary treat, can help to wash away any leftover residue on the teeth.
6. Talk to your kids about oral health. This is a great time to remind your children about the importance of oral health. 
7. Brush, Floss and Mouthwash. These should already be a part of your child’s dental health but they’re especially important when they’re eating extra sugar. Help your child to remember to brush and floss their teeth twice a day. For children over six, a children’s mouthwash can help rinse away any candy particles missed when brushing and flossing. 
8. Schedule a Checkup. A post-Halloween dental checkup is a great idea. Your dentist can polish your teeth and check for any cavities left behind from those sweet Halloween treats. Check with your dentist to schedule an appointment.

If you’re in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area and need to schedule a post-Halloween appointment, call our office today at (734) 971-3368.