Who could deny a child a few pieces of candy after a happy Halloween night of trick or treating with friends? Of course, it’s hard to say no. Problems may arise, however, when sweet treats are not eaten in moderation, or when those bacteria goblins are not brushed away after eating.
Good oral hygiene is the key to a happy and healthy Halloween, and
Dr. Arthur Schramm and his team at Schramm Dentistry in
Charlotte, NC, are here to help. As a
general dentist, Dr. Schramm offers the following guidelines for keeping children’s healthy this Halloween—and yours too, if you happen to sneak your favorite candy!
Tips for Healthy Teeth at Halloween and Always
Problems can begin when sugar from candy remains on teeth. This sugar transforms into acid, which can begin the process of tooth decay. So, one important thing for parents to remember is have children
brush and floss their teeth before they go to bed—after Halloween and every night—so that sugar does not sit in the mouth overnight.
Better than eating those sugary treats as a snack by themselves is to eat them with a meal. Any food with sugar or starch is less harmful to teeth if it is eaten with other food rather than as a snack. If candy is a snack, then try to have your children brush their teeth afterward. If brushing isn’t possible, then swishing with water will help until they can brush.
And speaking of brushing,
children should brush their teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. The best time is after breakfast and before bed. With brushing, supervise school age children until they are seven or eight, and help them floss in between teeth. Be sure to choose a toothbrush with soft, round-ended bristles, which are easier on the gums and tooth enamel.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Finally, if your child hasn’t been to the dentist in a while, now is the perfect time of year to make an appointment with Dr. Schramm in
Charlotte, NC. Schramm Dentistry serves children and adults in communities surrounding Charlotte, including Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Ballantyne, Indian Land, SC, and Fort Mill, SC.
By Schramm Dentistry
October 20, 2014
