Halloween is just around the corner and so are the endless bags of delicious, sugary treats. As a parent, you naturally want your children to enjoy the holiday, but not at the expense of their oral health. 

Even an exciting holiday like Halloween can be a learning experience for you and your kids. In this Ask A Dentist blog, we’ve got some fun and easy ways to prevent cavities and maintain a spooktacular smile.

Have A Game Plan

Before heading out, make a plan with your child before their Halloween bag is filled to the brim with various sweet treats. Some things to consider include:

• How much candy will be eaten when they get home?
• How much candy will be eaten over the next few days?
• How long will they be munching on their goodies?
• How many houses will they be visiting? (So you know how much candy they will be receiving, and therefore, consuming)

Making a plan will help limit the amount consumed, so your child can still enjoy their treats reasonably. Whatever you decide, always be mindful of your child’s dental health.

If you’re wondering how much candy you should give your child, check out this Ask A Dentist blog to find out.

Choosing The Right Treat

While consuming too many candies can be bad for your mouth, some can be detrimental to your dental health - especially hard, sticky and sour candy. These candies can get stuck to the teeth or stay in the mouth for a long time if not removed with proper brushing and flossing techniques. 

A simple chocolate bar is the best treat to consume as it disintegrates in the mouth quickly. And if you can get some dark chocolates with less sugar, even better.

While munching on candies during Halloween is a tradition, it’s not compulsory. Alternatively, you could try healthier options like:

• Monster Mouths. Slice an apple into large wedges and cut a groove in the center to create an opening for the mouth. Then, stuff the groove with almond slivers to look like crooked teeth poking out.
• Veggie Skeletons. It’s easy! Simply use some vegetables to make the shape of a skeleton. Carrot sticks for legs and arms, cucumber slices for the spine, bell pepper slices for the rib cage, a veggie dip as the head and broccoli florets for the eyes.
• Banana Ghosts. Peel and slice a banana in half and use two chocolate chips for eyes to make adorable ghosts.
• Pumpkin Oranges. Simply peel some oranges and stuff a small slice of celery into the fruit to make it look like mini pumpkins.

Regardless of the treat (fruit or candy), make sure your children drink plenty of water afterward to help wash away the remaining sugars and food particles.

Remember To Brush Your Sweet Tooth

Brushing your teeth after eating a bucketful of candy is essential in preventing tooth decay. The sugars can get stuck between the teeth and cause cavities. 

Have trouble encouraging your kids to brush their teeth? Brushing their teeth doesn’t need to feel like a chore - make it fun! One way to do that is to crank up the music and start a two-minute dance party. Switching things up from time to time, like adding music or balancing on one foot, can make your child excited to brush their teeth. 

To learn more about other ways to motivate your kids to brush their teeth, check out this Ask A Dentist blog post.

Previous studies reveal that the prevalence of early childhood decay can be as high as 98 per cent in some parts of Canada. Parents play a huge role in keeping their children’s teeth clean and healthy. Prevention for cavities starts at home with good eating habits and daily oral hygiene practices, but it’s crucial to see a dentist for their regular cleanings and checkups.

Dentists catch any issues before major problems arise and it’ll allow you to ask questions about how to care for your child’s teeth. Is your family planning to consume a tremendous amount of sugar during Halloween? Worried about what that might do to their teeth? Book your appointment today at our dental offices at St. Vital Centre and Garden City Shopping Centre so our dentists can help.