Halloween is all about candy for most kids. That may seem harmless, and it can be, but it can be a problem for those kids who have poor oral health. Candy is full of sugar, which can encourage the rapid growth of bacteria. That bacteria will attack the teeth and the gums, leading to complex health problems for your kids. At Lovett Dental Meyerland Plaza, we don’t want you to skip Halloween. We do want you to have the right tools for ensuring oral health after it. For information about how to protect your children’s teeth, contact Lovett Dental Meyerland Plaza at 281-974-3434.
Start with Knowing Which Candy Is Best
All candy that contains sugar can pose a problem for oral health. It is not uncommon for parents to want to take it all away. However, that’s not always necessary. When possible, look for low sugar or sugar-free varieties. You can also encourage your kids to eat fruits and veggies instead of candy throughout the day. That allows them to stretch out that Halloween candy longer.
Limit how much they eat to protect their oral health. It may be wise to place the candy in a location where they do not see and cannot access it easily. Perhaps give them a piece or two a day. That can minimize the impact of the sugar.
Brush Teeth Right Away
It’s also a good idea to encourage your child to brush their teeth after consuming any candy. Talk to them about how eating candy creates a layer of sugar on their teeth, which leads to the development of bacteria that can damage their teeth. Educate them on what that means and why it is so important to avoid for their oral health.
Come in for a Teeth Cleaning
Children, like adults, should have a general dentistry appointment at least one time every six months. Teeth cleaning, though, can be done more often. Coming in after Halloween can be helpful. Schedule this appointment as soon as you can to ensure we can take care of your child’s oral health.
Work to Improve Their Diet
Another way to fight off the onset of bacteria growth in the mouth from sugar is to get the immune system working at its best. To do that, consider increasing the number of fruits and veggies the kids get during the day. You can also supplement this, if your child’s doctor approves, with a multivitamin. The goal is to give your body the nutrients it needs so that it can keep you healthy. In many situations, improving a child’s diet and introducing more fruits and veggies will also help curb their desire for candy. That’s an excellent oral habit to encourage.
Your General Dentistry Team Can Help
If you have not come in to see our team, schedule an appointment now. Your child’s oral health is essential to their overall wellbeing and growth. We encourage you to have them see their dentist for teeth cleaning at least once every six months. They also need to have a regular exam at the same time.
Let our team help with all of those cavity and gum needs, including:
- General dentistry services
- Pediatric dentistry services
- Professional tooth cleaning
- Dental sealant applications
- Fluoride treatments for cavities
Invest in your child’s oral health by working with their dentist. That’s important to do throughout the year, and especially after Halloween. You can enjoy the holiday and those to follow with confidence when you get dental health under control.
Bring the Kids In For an Appointment at Lovett Dental Meyerland Plaza
Oral health is essential, even for kids. Our team at Lovett Dental Meyerland Plaza offers the treatment options your kids need to ensure their teeth are as healthy as possible. Talk to us about our general dentistry services or schedule a teeth cleaning by calling 281-974-3434.
