Happy Halloween Smile

In a few weeks, Halloween will be here again and with parties and trick-or-treating, your little goblin or ghoul will likely get a lot of candy to eat. While the holiday provides a lot of time for fun and celebration, it is a difficult time to maintain proper dental hygiene, but according to board certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Yury Slepak of Brooklyn Pediatric Dentistry, there are things parents can do to lessen the effects of sugary snacks on your child’s teeth.

Eat sugary treats with or shortly after a meal. Saliva production increases with eating and will help cancel the acids produced by bacteria in your child’s mouth.
Avoid hard candies that stay in your mouth for long periods of time because they increase the amount of time sugar is exposed to your child’s teeth. Also avoid sticky candy that clings to the teeth.
Limit the amount of candy your child stashes away. Allow your child to pick his favorites and give away the rest of it.
Drink more water. Water will help wash the sugar from your child’s teeth.
Chew sugarless gum for twenty minutes to neutralize acid production.
Make sure your child brushes his or her teeth at least twice a day.
Floss to remove candy particles between teeth.
Visit your pediatric dentist for regular cleanings and to check for cavities.

Halloween is a great time for families and friends to celebrate, but it’s important to remember your child’s dental hygiene shouldn’t take a holiday. Following these easy tips will insure that your child not only has a great time during this season, but he or she can also maintain proper oral health.