​Dental Health Tips for Halloween

Today is Halloween! Children all over the country have been looking forward to trick-or-treating for candy in their Halloween costumes. Halloween is the perfect time to teach your children about good dental hygiene.

Brace Yourself for Sweet Treats
All children can enjoy Halloween experience–even children with braces. When you child has braces, they can have certain kinds of candy. Eating candy that melts in your mouth–like chocolate or peanut butter cups is acceptable. We caution our patients against eating candy that is sticky, chewy, or crunchy. Certain candies can get stuck in your braces or even break the metal wires.

Cavities
If your children do not have braces, now is the time to explain to them that eating too much candy can lead to cavities. Teach your children that eating sweets is not an all day affair. Eating candy in moderation is the key here.

Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat
After a long day of trick-or-treating, remind your young ones to practice good dental hygiene. Once they are done eating their sweet treats, children should brush their teeth for two minutes, floss between teeth and rinse with mouthwash.

Web Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/5-tricks-for-dealing-with-halloween-treats