Trick or Teeth: 3 Ways to Keep Kids from Getting Post-Halloween Cavities

Halloween is just around the corner, which also means there are lots and lots of candies or sweet treats in your children’s near future (as well as your own!).

While it can be fun to dress up in costume and meander through neighborhoods gathering an abundance of sugar-laden goodness, this once-a-year activity can also wreak havoc in our mouths—specifically, in the form of cavities.

Here are three wise ways to keep kids from getting post-Halloween cavities this year:

1. LIMIT THE NUMBER OF TREATS EACH
OF YOUR KIDS CAN HAVE ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT, AS WELL AS THE DAYS AFTER.
Whether it’s just one piece or an entire handful, set a limit with your munchkins and enforce it.

When they’ve eaten their allotted number of candies for the day, make sure they know they CAN’T have any more until the next day or occasion you’ve set for them.

Not only does this implement portion control, it also teaches moderation at an early age.

2. STRIKE A DEAL WITH YOUR KIDS: FOR EVERY PIECE OF CANDY EATEN DURING THE DAY, HE/SHE MUST BRUSH HIS OR HER TEETH FOR 120 SECONDS.

Agreeing to something like this with your ‘mini humans’ seems fair enough, right?!

They indulge in an edible piece o’ fun, and within 5 minutes… they head to the bathroom to scrub down their chompers for a mere two minutes.

For them it’s a treat and for you, it’s a way to remain a vigilant part of Operation Anti-Cavities. Hey, it’s a win-win.

3. MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS BRUSH, FLOSS AND USE A MOUTH RINSE EACH NIGHT BEFORE BED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY RETURN FROM TRICK OR TREATING OR A HALLOWEEN PARTY.

Creating a healthy bedtime routine for your little ones can start at the bathroom sink… with a good brushing, some floss and even a bit of mouth rinse for good measure. Once this regimen has been incorporated, it can roll into their pre-slumberland schedule year-round!

Another great idea for keeping your kids cavity-free this time of year (and throughout all the other calendar months too!) is to see a pediatric dentist regularly for X-Rays, a routine checkup and teeth cleaning.

This can help detect any dental abnormalities early on and protect your children from conditions like tooth decay or cavities before they’ve even gotten their permanent ivories.

For information about the best dental routine for your child or to schedule a pediatric dentist appointment contact Smiles-R-Us for Kids at: (770) 214-5555.

Here’s wishing everyone a safe, happy and cavity-free Halloween!
--Your Smiles R Us for Kids Pediatric Dentistry Team