With the holidays around the corner, the husband-and-wife duo at Shine Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics has tips to keep young smiles healthy and shining bright during a sweets-packed season.
Prepare ahead of time. Lauren Carlson, DMD, MSD, Shine’s pediatric dentist, says, “One of the best things parents can do is make sure their kids are going into Halloween with good brushing and flossing habits already established.” Good habits will help keep cavities away and prevent dental problems during a sugar-heavy season.
Not all candy is equal. Dr. Lauren and Michael Seelig, DMD, MS, Shine’s orthodontist, recommend chocolate over sticky, chewy or hard candies, which can stay on teeth longer and cause issues with braces. Dr. Mike says, “From an orthodontic perspective, Halloween treats that tend to be more tooth friendly, also tend to be most braces/Invisalign friendly. The hard/crunchy/chewy/gummy candies that Dr. Lauren described as being the least tooth health friendly are also the least orthodontic friendly as their textures very often lead to appliance breakage or detachment.”
Pace it out. A few pieces of candy after a meal is easier on teeth and enamel than snacking throughout the day. Dr. Lauren says, “From a dental standpoint, we're much more concerned about the frequency of sugar exposure than simply the total amount of sugar someone eats … It's much better to enjoy a few pieces of candy together, ideally after a meal.” Dr. Mike adds, “In other words, we're not trying to take the fun out of Halloween—we're just trying to avoid having the candy component of the holiday become an all-day event!”
Caring for teeth after candy. When it comes to protecting teeth after treats, Dr. Lauren says water is a great defense. “Having kids drink water after eating candy helps rinse away some of the sugar and food particles and helps their saliva get back to work.” A quick rinse on the go can help if brushing is not an option.
Prioritize routine checkups. Routine appointments can help prevent or catch issues early and reinforce good habits during the holidays. Fall is the perfect time to reestablish those routines for shining smiles.
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