Whether it’s a Halloween candy haul or an after-school treat, kids just love sugar. Unfortunately, so do the bacteria that form plaque. They break down sugars into harmful acids that attack the tooth enamel, leading to cavities and gingivitis. But you don’t have to deny your children their favorite treats—here’s how you can protect their teeth from sugar and its harmful effects.
Halloween Candy and Teeth: How to Protect Your Children’s Dental Health
1: Establish Good Oral Hygiene Habits Early
Establishing good brushing and flossing habits from a young age will help minimize bacteria in your child’s mouth. In fact, you should actually start taking care of your child’s oral health before they even get their first teeth by regularly cleaning their gums.
By the time they’re six years old, your child should be able to brush their teeth on their own, but they may still need some supervision. Make sure they brush thoroughly twice a day, floss daily, and do not swallow any fluoride toothpaste.
2: Limit Sugary Snacks, Treats, and Juice
It’s difficult for people of any age to cut out sugar completely. But you can at least lower your child’s risk of cavities by limiting their sugar intake. Look for sugar-free or low-sugar snacks, and drinks that are 100% juice with no added sugar.
The longer sugar stays in the mouth, the more damage it can cause, so don’t let them snack all day. And because the acids from plaque temporarily soften the tooth enamel after eating sugar, they should wait at least 30 minutes to brush their teeth after eating something sweet.
3: Know That Some Types of Candy Are Worse Than Others
While there’s not really any candy that is good for teeth, there are at least some types that do less damage than others. For example, plain chocolate melts quickly and doesn’t linger in the mouth for long. Sugar-free candy that contains xylitol is also a good choice because bacteria don’t break down xylitol like it does sugar.
The worst kinds of candy for teeth are:
- Sticky candy like gummy worms, caramels, and taffy that can get stuck on their teeth and linger for hours.
- Hard candy like jawbreakers that can cause teeth to crack or chip.
- Lollipops and any other kind of candy that is designed to stay in the mouth for long periods of time.
4: Have Them Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is essential for good dental health. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day—it will help them produce enough saliva to naturally wash away bacteria and food particles. Drinking a glass of water after having a treat can also help minimize the damage from acid attacks.
5: Opt for Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surface of the molars. Dental sealants help protect children’s teeth from sugar and enamel erosion, reducing the risk of cavities. We recommend that children get their first dental sealants around the age of six, and then again when their permanent molars come in around the age of 12.
Protect Your Child’s Teeth Routine Dental Visits
One of the most important ways to protect your child’s teeth from sugar is to take them to the dentist for a gentle cleaning and exam. At Country Club Dental in Flagstaff, we provide preventive dental care for the whole family. Give us a call at 928-526-4314 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mikaela Weedman or Dr. Paul Whitney.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/25/2023). Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels
