{"id":99,"date":"2018-10-12T15:08:22","date_gmt":"2018-10-12T15:08:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zumbrofamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=99"},"modified":"2018-10-24T15:14:21","modified_gmt":"2018-10-24T15:14:21","slug":"local-dentist-helpful-oral-care-tips-halloween","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zumbrofamilydental.com\/blog\/local-dentist-helpful-oral-care-tips-halloween\/","title":{"rendered":"Local Dentist Provides Helpful Oral Care Tips During Halloween"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AIf your child goes out for Halloween every year, then you\u2019ve probably heard nonstop about how excited they are now that it\u2019s just around the corner. Halloween gives children a chance to score big in terms of sweets and chocolates, but how has that affected their oral health? Do they end up having a cavity by the end of November?<\/p>\n

Tooth decay<\/a> is common among younger individuals, especially from ages 5 to 11. Consider these tips to protect their teeth by the time a turkey is set on your table.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Know Which Candy to Eat and Avoid<\/h2>\n

Many people don\u2019t realize that chocolate is one of the better candies you can eat on Halloween, particularly when compared to other varieties that are essentially pure sugar. While chocolate can absolutely cause tooth decay if not properly eaten in moderation, it doesn\u2019t stay on teeth or in the mouth as long as hard candy, such as lollipops or other fruit-flavored treats.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, candies that are sticky or gummy are more likely to get stuck in between and on teeth, therefore creating a better environment for bacteria to grow and develop. Sour candies are highly acidic, which in turn makes the mouth more acidic and more habitable for bacteria.<\/p>\n

Consume Candy the Right Way<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s easy to snack on candy, whether you\u2019re a 10-year-old at school or a 35-year-old in the workplace, but what implications does this entail? Snacking on any sugar-filled foods, not just candy, can increase your risk of decay dramatically because the mouth isn\u2019t prepared to wash it away, assuming you aren\u2019t brushing your teeth afterwards. The best way to eat candy is directly after a meal, where saliva production is higher. This will work to wash away food debris and keep the mouth\u2019s pH balance high. Tell your child about these types of candy and explain why it would be better to donate the more harmful varieties to non-profit organizations or dental offices.<\/p>\n

Improve Their Diet to Counter More Sugar<\/h2>\n

Since your child is more than likely to eat lots of candy without your knowledge, it\u2019s important that you change their diet to accommodate this new influx of sugar. That means replacing sugary beverages in their school lunch with water or unsweet tea. It means making sure they\u2019re consuming water on a regular basis and eating foods that help clean teeth, such as sliced apples or pears. Find out which healthy foods they like the most and go from there.<\/p>\n

Commit to Oral Health Habits<\/h2>\n

When your child is at this age, it\u2019s a great opportunity to teach them key fundamentals for oral care. A few of these steps include:<\/p>\n