Our oral health is often overlooked during the holiday seasons, particularly during Halloween! Having sugary snacks and drinks once in a while is a special treat. In the days before and after Halloween, these treats can quickly be consumed in a short period of time. That’s why it is important to take extra special care at this time of year.
Sugar can damage the enamel that protects the inner dentin of a tooth. Allowing the acid to sit and settle into the pores of the enamel can stimulate the production of harmful bacteria. Unlike other parts of our body, tooth enamel does not recover or grow back once it is destroyed. Tooth decay leads to cavities and loss of teeth.
To avoid having to visit an emergency dental clinic in Etobicoke after Halloween, follow these simple tips to keep your child’s oral health in the best condition!
Make a Detailed Plan with Kids for Eating Candy
One of the biggest tips a family dentist in Etobicoke can offer is to be prepared before Halloween arrives. Advise your little trick-or-treaters to not consume any piece of candy, bags of chips, or special beverages before returning home.
Discuss when candy can be consumed as it can be easy to eat several pieces before bedtime. Allow your child to pick out their favourite treats and store the majority away to enjoy over the next weeks. Remind them that after each treat, they should carefully brush their teeth to remove any particles and acid that clings to the teeth.
As we produce more saliva when eating, consider having a Halloween treat shortly after a meal to promote the saliva to wash away the sugar left before. Larger sugary candies can be broken into smaller pieces to limit the amount of sugar on the teeth.
Brushing Twice a Day
At Halloween, teeth cleaning is even more crucial to the health of the teeth and mouth. While water and salvia can help rinse away much of the sugar left on the teeth, there is no substitute for the concentrated action of a toothbrush.
Protection of the teeth begins with brushing the teeth before eating a piece of candy or other treats. In fact, the timing of Halloween has prompted the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association to declare the day after Halloween, November 1st, as National Brush Day. Proper brushing by using small circular movements of the toothbrush on each tooth removes food particles, acid and plaque that causes tooth decay.
Drink Plenty of Water
Every Etobicoke general dentist promotes drinking water for your overall health and to protect the teeth from leftover acid and bacteria in the mouth. Having a glass of water after sugary snacks can help dilute any remaining acid on the teeth that the saliva does not wash away. Regular soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar while sugar-free beverages have excessive amounts of acid that can damage teeth. Instruct your kids to drink a glass of water if sugary drinks are consumed.
Donate Leftover Candies
Halloween comes once a year, but the collected treats can last in the cupboard for weeks. Go ahead and allow your child to enjoy these special treats in moderation. Many dentists suggest having your child choose a number of Halloween treats to keep and consider donating the rest to food banks and other charitable organizations. There are programs that collect leftover Halloween candy to donate to military troops in care packages.
Make It Compulsory to Floss & Rinse
“Brush”, “floss” and “rinse” are the keys dentists recommend to patients of all ages. Instilling proper oral care at a young age can help children learn how to prevent tooth decay and ensure their permanent teeth last. Brushing loosens and removes food particles and substances form the surface of the teeth and gums. It can also force particles to settle in between the teeth.
Flossing can help remove any hidden substances and food particles while protecting the gumline. Use dental floss at least once a day and when brushing after the consumption of sugary snacks. It is also recommended to rinse the mouth with water after flossing to wash away any remaining particles.
Take Extra Care If They Have Braces
While most Halloween candy can be a nightmare for those with dental braces, there are special treats that can be enjoyed. After all, Halloween treats should be for every child (and adult)! Dentists and orthodontists warn against eating hard and chewy candy pieces, popcorn, and nuts to avoid bending or breaking the brackets of the braces. One of the Halloween delights children with braces and other dental appliances can enjoy is chocolate! Thorough cleaning of the braces should be done after every snack and meal.
Visit the Dentist During Halloween
Even taking precautions with oral care and avoiding certain treats may not stop damage to the teeth. Consider booking an appointment with a trustworthy dentist in Etobicoke around Halloween to have a proper checkup on the condition and health of your child’s teeth. This time of year has been reported as one of the busiest times at dentist offices for emergency visits. In addition to cavities and tooth decay by improper care of the teeth, cracked teeth caused by biting on a hard candy is the most common emergency dentists see.
Book Your Appointment for Professional Dental Treatment at Princeview Dental
If you need dental services in Etobicoke, visit the friendly team at Princeview Dental Group. We offer a full range of oral care services including emergency services at your time of need. Our family dental clinic can offer personalized dental plans to ensure your mouth is healthy and your smile is enchanting! Contact us today or visit us in person—we are always accepting new patients. Please visit us at our changed location under The Crooked Cue Pub and Restaurant at address, 3052 Bloor Street West, just west of Royal York Road on the north side.
