5 Tips To Keep Mouths Healthy This Halloween

Halloween is coming up soon, which for many children (and adults) means celebrating the holiday with candy and other sweet treats. While it’s fun to enjoy the holiday, parents should be mindful that sugary foods can increase the risk of tooth decay, which is the most common chronic disease for children and adolescents.

When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel, and over time this can cause tooth decay, the breakdown of tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

American Dental Association has some tips to help kids (and parents) keep their mouths healthy while still enjoying the holiday.
1. Avoid snacking on candy, as well as drinking sugary beverages, throughout the day. Instead, enjoy these treats after mealtimes, as increased saliva production from a meal will help prevent tooth decay.
2. Be wary of chewy candies like taffy, which stick to your teeth longer than chocolate, and hard candies that take longer to consume. The longer a sugary food is in your mouth, the higher the risk for tooth decay.
3. Look for sugarless gum as a candy alternative, as chewing sugarless gum after meals helps reduce tooth decay by increasing saliva flow that helps wash out food and dental plaque bacteria.
4. Balance out the increase of sugary candies by avoiding sugary beverages such as sodas and sports drinks. Instead, drink fluoridated water, which can help reduce cavities by 25 to 45 percent.
5. Eating foods that are calcium-rich (such as leafy greens, cheese and almonds) and protein-rich (such as meat, eggs, fish and beans) can help rebuild tooth enamel and bone.

And of course, continue to practice ongoing oral health care, including flossing daily, brushing teeth twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you and your kids enjoy Halloween treats without the cavity-causing tricks!