Sugar! Chocolate! Gummies! Gum! A dentist’s worst nightmare, or every child’s gleeful reality in just over a week? Halloween is just around the corner, and while we’d never put a damper on this most delicious time of the year, we would like to remind all the parents out there that this is also a time to be extra diligent! Here are some ways you can help protect your kid’s teeth and mouths this Halloween!
Preparation is the Mother of Success!
This might not surprise, but Halloween is on Thursday, October 31 this year. Isn’t it on October 31 every year, you ask? It absolutely is! But while this isn’t news to you, it does establish that you now know when Halloween is well ahead of the actual day, and now you have ample time to prepare for effectively protecting your kid’s teeth during the coming sugary onslaught!
If you haven’t given your children a new toothbrush lately, maybe slip a new one into their toothbrush holder before Halloween. Those fresh, firm bristles will help make sure those hard-to-reach areas are kept shiny clean and any leftover chocolate and candy particles are cleaned away.
It also gives you an opportunity for some extra diligence before Halloween night. Make sure your child is brushing their teeth at least twice a day, spending at least two minutes each time. Make sure they’re brushing all the surfaces of their teeth (the outsides, the insides and the chewing surfaces) as well as the insides of their cheeks, top and bottom of their tongue, and the roof of their mouths.
We’re sure you’re always vigilant about your child brushing their teeth, but this would be a time of the year to be a little over vigilant (if that’s possible)!
Steady Wins the (Dental Hygiene) Race
After Halloween night, your child is going to be super excited about all their new candy and chocolate stash. And that’s great, but now it’s mom and dad’s time to make sure that they’re eating reasonable amounts of their sugary delights, and at appropriate times.
Allow them to eat a couple of treats each day, and at times when a good thorough teeth brushing isn’t too far away. Ideally, save their treats for after dinner, when their bedtime teeth brushing is only an hour or two away.
Packing a few in their lunch can be a good treat in the middle of the school day, but also pack plenty of water to keep them hydrated and to help wash away any leftover food particles and sugary substances from inside their mouths.
Visit Your Family Dentist!
What’s the perfect solution to this oral hygiene quandary? A trip to your family dentist!
Okay, maybe we’re a little biased here, but booking a visit to your family dentist is always a good idea, and especially at Halloween. Your family dentist can make sure your child’s oral health is right on track and can check for any emerging issues that might be prevented if caught early enough.
Orion Dental is a full-service family dentist with offices conveniently located in Milton and Scarborough. We offer dental services for the entire family, and with our bright colourful waiting rooms and crafts to keep your children busy while they wait, we live up to our reputation of being The Gentle Dentist! Call our Milton dentist office at (905) 636 – 9770 or our Scarborough dentist office at (416) 291 – 0306 and book an appointment today!
