Torbram Dental weighs in on this Halloween season and the top ten tips to guard oral health. (Source: Canadian Dental Association, Helpful Tips for Healthy Smiles at Halloween, http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_children/halloween.asp ).
This Halloween, let’s look at ten helpful dental care tips to guard your oral health!
Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it’s also hard on your teeth. You risk consuming too much sugar between the candy and the festive snacking, which can lead to cavities or even gum disease if you’re not careful. Many people don’t think of their dental health during the Halloween season. It’s essential to keep in mind that excess sugar consumption is harmful to your dental hygiene as well as your overall health.
Sugar reacts with the bacteria within the plaque and reacts with it to produce acid. This acid is responsible for tooth decay as it slowly dissolves the enamel cover of the teeth, creating cavities in them. This can lead to tooth abscesses, which may ultimately result in the tooth having to be removed. The good news is that you can enjoy Halloween by following specific health tips shared by the Canadian Dental Association – read below to know more!
Tips for a healthy Halloween
The first tip shared by the Canadian Dental Association is to have a game plan. Torbram Dental states that having a strategy before heading out for trick-or-treating is a great way to set healthy boundaries. For example, instead of visiting the whole neighbourhood, visit the houses on a few streets. The duration of trick-or-treating matters to ensure things do not go out of hand. Set a timer as you stroll the streets to let your young ones know it’s time to head home. You can easily set up a treats-per-day limit by ensuring sugar intake does not exceed 50 g a day. By reading the nutrition facts label carefully – you can be aware of whether you are crossing the limit or not. Limiting sugar and treats is not only meant for children; adults also need a reminder or two to limit their sweets. Torbram Dental suggests dividing treats into sandwich bags or, as the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind,” place treats where they are not easily accessible.
The second tip is all about eating treats only during meals. Torbram Dental shares that aligning candy consumption with meal times can help the sugar concentration not to spike too much. The food helps to slow down the digestive process. We can end a nice meal on a sweeter note by having a small treat at a time. This would make us appreciate the treat a lot more too! Parents can also take the initiative by teaching their kids the benefit of eating a healthy meal together as a family without sugary distractions.
The third tip is about using smaller trick-or-treat bags and cutting out candies that are not preferred to reduce waste. According to Torbram Dental, this has several benefits, such as the most apparent reduced sugar intake. Some homes give the option of small trinkets, toys, or activity books. We recommend speaking to your neighbours and discussing other trick-or-treat options!
The fourth tip concerns properly fitting costumes to prevent trips & falls. Torbram Dental suggests that apart from correct fitting, it is also essential to ensure the costume’s weight distribution is appropriately adjusted. Therefore, preventing any accidental trips or falls that may result in a dental emergency.
The fifth tip advises kids to avoid masks, and Torbram Dental could not agree more. Masks make it difficult to breathe and difficult to see things. It is advisable to use a safe make-up kit instead.
We’re halfway there; let’s look at the remaining tips
The sixth is about parents being responsible for what treats their kids eat. According to Torbram Dental – this is a no-brainer! – Being mindful of which ingredient might cause an allergic reaction is paramount. Hard candies are not recommended for those with braces or with sensitive teeth. It is vital to check treats and trick-or-treat bags thoroughly after the kids return home for safety.
The seventh tip is about being disciplined and consuming treats at a specific time of day, not gorging on them constantly. Torbram Dental suggests following the second tip to resolve this problem and ideally only consuming treats during the daytime before physical activity. Brushing and flossing your teeth after having a treat is also highly advisable to prevent tooth decay!
Number eight is about eating a balanced diet. According to Torbram Dental, it is important to teach kids that healthy meals and snacks are better for their health and should always come first. Little ones should have a nutritious meal before going out. This will ensure they indulge less in sugary treats.
The ninth tip advises practicing brushing, flossing, and rinsing after eating sugar-filled treats. Torbram Dental suggests parents to encourage this habit in their kids early on, regardless of seasonal festivities. This will significantly reduce the risks of cavity build-up and tooth decay by removing the sugars and acids.
Lastly, the tenth tip is about not being scared of Halloween and candies; instead, being mindful of celebrating it responsibly by following these tips. Torbram Dental expresses that Halloween is not only about candy consumption. It can be celebrated by watching a spooky movie as a family or with friends. Kids can also have fun at fall festivals, carving pumpkins, baking treats, crafting, or having a game night.
Now that you are equipped with all these tips and tricks follow them this Halloween to ensure optimal oral health for your family. Torbram Dental wishes you a spooky and safe Halloween ahead!