Everything You Need to Know About Oral Health Habits after a Halloween Party

Halloween is just around the corner, and there is nothing kids love about it, like candies. It might be a pleasure for the child to eat a lot of candies during the holiday, but the same cannot be said for the parents. We know how candies accelerate the risk of cavities and should be avoided whenever necessary.

However, not giving your children candies and other snacks involved may send the wrong message. Children are not as understanding as adults, and a simple thing like depriving her Halloween candies can make her hate you forever. It’s a predicament, but you have to do something. In this blog, we will discuss how to handle children during Halloween and ensure their oral health is maintained.

How to Share the Candies

You should never deprive your kids of candies during Halloween, or it will lead to more problems. For example, your child may become more irresistible and hide too much candy to eat when you are not there.

Instead, come up with a plan that will ensure none of them gets more than necessary. For example, you can decide that the 10-year old gets ten candies, while the 7-year old gets seven. Then, take the unpicked candies out of sight and donate or freeze them for future use. While giving them the candies, use that opportunity to talk about good habits for kids and how candies encourage cavities.

The message should not be candies are bad, but too much candy is bad for the oral health of a child. Make sure they understand the point.

Timing is Key

It is vital to give your children the candies at the perfect time. Ideally, we recommend giving out the candies straight after the meal. While eating, the mouth has to produce saliva to help out in swallowing. The saliva plays a crucial role in rinsing away the sugars in your mouth.

Additionally, promising to give out the treats after a meal can act as an incentive to make a child eat all the food. You can also give the kids sugar-free chewing gums before issuing out the treats. Chewing gums helps the mouth produce more saliva.

Brushing

It is still vital to keep brushing and flossing your kid’s teeth at least twice a day, even during Halloween. You should even do it more now when the candy intake is too high. Most parents are tempted to brush their children’s teeth immediately after they’ve had treats, but you should never do that.

Some treats taken during the holidays may contain acids. These acids may damage the enamel, and it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before cleaning the teeth. Also, make sure to buy a new toothbrush, as a worn-out one will hardly get rid of all the stuck candy.

Consider a Mouthwash

Several studies show that some mouthwashes can improve one’s oral health. For example, mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine may help control plaque. Using such a mouthwash after brushing your child’s teeth during Halloween can do her oral health a huge favor.

Additionally, mouthwashes containing specific essential oils may also help control plaque as well as gingivitis. You may want to ask your dentist, which is the best mouthwash for your family. Please note that mouthwashes should not replace your oral care routine. It should only complement the practices (brushing and flossing).

Ensure Your Kids Take Enough Water

During Halloween, soft drinks are usually in high demand, but unfortunately, they increase the risk of cavities. If you can convince your children to take water instead of soft drinks, that would be great. Water helps in saliva production, and it also helps rinse away some stuck foods on the enamel.

Visit the Dentist

You should always ensure that you and your family get regular dental checkups. The dentist identifies developing problems and treats them as early as possible. Additionally, you get to learn the best ways of preventing common dental problems, as well as the right brushing techniques. What’s more, your dental insurance will probably cover most of the costs.

Kids First Dental (Columbia)

If you require pediatric dentistry Columbia services, Dr. Harold Jablon is here for you. We promise to provide a kid-friendly environment and services of the highest quality. Book an appointment now.