Tips for protecting your child’s teeth this Halloween

As one of the year’s most popular holidays quickly approaches, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is urging parents and caregivers to be aware of the treats their children consume throughout the Halloween season.

With $2.6 billion expected to be spent on Halloween candy this year, it is no surprise that children will over-indulge. If your child ate their weight in gummy candies, fear not, there are ways to fend off the Mouth Monsters, who may still be sticking to your children’s teeth.

“Many kids will get candy on Halloween, so we advise to limit access to the candy so that it is eaten at specific times, rather than snacking throughout the day,” said AAPD President Dr. Kevin Donly, in a prepared statement. “This keeps the acidity level under better control.”

Here are the AAPD’s tips for keeping your kids’ smiles healthy:

1. Can’t trick your child to ditch the treats? Help them pick the healthiest options. Chewy, sticky candies like gummies, caramels and bubble gum are the most terrifying this season. Stick to less sticky and less acidic treats like pretzels or crackers to keep those chompers’ healthy. To indulge a sweet tooth, encourage dark chocolate – tons of antioxidants – or sugar-free gum made with xylitol which promotes the growth of tooth protective bacteria.

2. Brush away those mouth monsters. After a long night of trick-or-treating, don’t neglect the proper oral care for your child. Brush that candy – and the Mouth Monsters that come with it – away with at least two minutes of brushing and flossing before bed.

3. Cavities and fillings can be scary – but there are alternative options. You did your best to manage your child’s candy consumption, but the sugar won and your child has a cavity. Fear not – a new, painless treatment option called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) might be a solution for your child. SDF is a liquid brushed on a tooth to minimize advancement of decay and help delay filling the cavity. Your pediatric dentist will need to monitor the cavity periodically to ensure it has stopped growing, so be sure to continue regularly scheduled appointments.

Trick or Treat for the right dentist for your child. More than 15 million children under the age of 18 have some kind of special healthcare need, putting them at an increased risk of oral health problems. Do your research and find a pediatric dentist who is specialized in treating children with special needs.