Halloween is about candy, dressing up, and having fun. It’s alright if your child eats candy on Halloween, as long as he or she is brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
A regular oral hygiene routine can go a long way in helping keep your mouth healthy all year round, which is key during high treat times like Halloween.
Your Child’s Halloween Candy
You can also choose wisely when it comes time to sort through the trick-or-treat bag. Here’s a rundown of common candies and their impact on your teeth:
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the better candies because it washes off your teeth easier than other types of candy. Dark chocolate also has less sugar than milk chocolate.
Sticky and Gummy Candies
These are some of the worst candies for your teeth. This candy is harder to remove and may stay longer on your teeth.
Hard Candy
Hard candies are also ones to watch on Halloween because they can break your teeth if you’re not careful. Hard candies tend to be in your mouth longer and the sugar is getting in your saliva and washing over your teeth.
Sour Candy
Sour candy can be very acidic and can weaken and damage the hard outer shell of your teeth, making your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
Remember, Halloween is only once a year, and you can always start fresh with a good oral hygiene routine on November 1, which is National Brush Day. Preventing cavities from candy may not be as fun as eating it, but your child will be grateful not to need fillings later. Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks that feed the bacteria in your mouth.
Halloween Coloring Sheets
Here are a few treats for your kids. Click on the images below to print and/or download the Halloween coloring sheets.
Decorative Pumpkin
Haunted House
Ghosts and Goblins
Ghostly Maze
After Halloween Tips for Kids
Throughout the year, be sure to:
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth daily
• Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks
• See your dentist regularly
• Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance
Webster Dental is a family dental practice and will put you and your child at ease. If it’s time to schedule your next dental appointment, let Webster Dental show you how much we care about your oral health. Call our office today at (630) 663-0554. Webster Dental is located at 1121 Warren Avenue, Suite 130, in Downers Grove, Illinois.