What is a parent to do when faced with this type of challenge on Halloween or any day? As my mom, who is a registered dietitian, would say, “Everything in moderation.” Now I try to impart the same wisdom to my child and my pediatric patients as they take part in Halloween festivities and enjoy tasty treats.
How Much Is Too Much?
We parents can't keep our kids in a candy-free bubble, but we can keep in mind that the two main causes of tooth decay are:
- Sticky, sweet foods such as caramels, taffy and “nature’s candy”, which stick to teeth longer than plain chocolates.
- Frequent snacking on candy, which prevents saliva from returning to a normal pH level.
Extended exposure to candy results in increased risk of cavities. Saliva becomes more acidic when exposed to sugar due to the reaction of the sucrose on to the dental plaque (the bacteria adhering to the teeth). Then the body takes about 20 minutes to return to its normal pH level, with the help of the saliva and its inherent components to buffer the acids.
When children continuously ingest sugars, they do not give their saliva a chance to return to a normal pH level, and the acidic saliva can then create dental decay.
How Do We Avoid This "Sticky" Situation?
Allow children to eat their candy in one sitting and then give away the rest (see Operation Gratitude below).
Afterwards, you can lead your child to the bathroom and help him/her with proper toothbrushing, flossing and rinsing. Your supervision and guidance are key factors to your child’s well-being.
Remember:
- Eat candy only when you can brush your teeth immediately afterward. Candy for dessert after a balanced meal is acceptable. However, do not include candy in school lunches or allow your children to eat continuously throughout the day.
- Always practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing two to three times each day for at least two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It is best to brush immediately after a meal. If you are not able to brush your teeth, rinse your mouth with water. Brushing before bedtime is particularly beneficial. It is also important to use dental floss to remove food between teeth.
Twinkle Little Star Pediatric Dentistry is proudly participating in two programs to limit the amount of candy children eat.
Stop Zombie Mouth. Instead of candy on Halloween, our office will be handing out the limited edition collectible Plants vs. Zombies™ trading cards, which includes the code for a free Plants vs. Zombies™ downloadable game.
Operation Gratitude. After Halloween, bring your child's bag of treats to Twinkle Little Star's office on 259 Kinderkamack Road in Westwood. For each pound of candy your child brings, we will pay him or her $1, up to $5. The candy we collect will be sent to troops overseas, along with our donation of toothbrushes. This way we give them treats to enjoy, and they can practice good oral healthcare too!
Stop by our office during the following days to get cash for your candy:
- Thursday, November 1st: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Friday, November 2nd: 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday, November 3rd: 10 AM to 1:00 PM
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
