Trying to figure out what to do with all that Halloween candy? You can allow your kids to take part in the Halloween festivities while being mindful of cavities! We have some recommendations:
- Allow the kids to eat as much candy as they want during one sitting, then agree to take the rest away.
- Give kids 1-2 pieces of candy at the end of lunch or dinner to eat as dessert.
At this time of year, we could all use a refresher on how sugar causes cavities and tooth decay in children! Here’s an overview:
What’s Tooth Decay?
Bacteria interact with food to produce waste products in the form of acids, which cause a breakdown or demineralization of areas underneath the tooth surface. This breakdown of the tooth surface is tooth decay.
Think of it this way: every time you eat, there’s an acid attack on the tooth. Your body rinses the food and acid away with saliva as a counterattack. The saliva not only buffers or neutralizes the acids, it also contains minerals (calcium and phosphate) that rebuild the parts of the tooth that were demineralised, or attacked by the acids. This series of attacking and rebuilding is like a tug-of-war in your mouth; it’s your body’s way of helping protect your teeth from everyday problems.
Food and Beverages
Foods and beverages that are consumed for prolonged periods of time between meals can unbalance the remineralization/demineralization process and result in decay. Sticky foods, such as caramels and raisins, should be avoided as snacks between meals, because the acid attack overwhelms the saliva’s ability to prevent and repair. Eating these same foods during a meal, however, is perfectly fine.
In the interest of combating cavities, Kits Family Dental is having a Halloween promo! Trade in your candy and we’ll give every family member a free dental exam, as well as tickets to be entered in a draw to win an iPad Mini!
Be sweet to your teeth, and Happy Halloween!
