Tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues can make your child’s smile very scary, and the candy your child will receive this Halloween might just cause those issues! So, to help you help your child maintain a strong oral health in Mesa, Arizona, this Halloween, our Dr. Kent Stapley & Dr. Nathan Kitchen team recommends that you do the following things:
-Hard, sticky candies are the most harmful candies available in the trick-or-treating baskets, so try to encourage your child to choose a treat that won’t stick to their teeth and linger in their mouth.
-Have your child eat their candy at the best times, which is usually during or shortly after a meal. Eating the candy with a meal with help wash away the bacteria because significant amounts of saliva are produced while chewing.
-Help your child take advantage of fluoride by giving them fluoridated water and encouraging them to use fluoride toothpaste when they brush. The fluoride will help strengthen the tooth enamel.
-It’s important to have your child remain consistent with their oral hygiene routine. Make sure they brush their teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and rinse their mouth daily. Doing these things will help deeply clean the smile on a regular basis.
-Encourage your child to chew sugarless gum that has been approved by the American Dental Association after eating candy. Chewing will produce saliva and help clean the smile.
To learn more, please feel free to call our office today at 480-830-8946 and talk to your dentist, Dr. Dr. Kent Stapley & Dr. Nathan Kitchen, or a member of our dental team. We look forward to helping you!