Halloween treats: how to protect your family’s teeth
October 28th, 2019
In this week’s Q&A, Dr Darragh Byrne from our Claregalway practice answers some common questions about how best to protect your family’s teeth from the ‘horrors’ of Halloween treats
Q: Will some Halloween treats do more damage to my child’s teeth than others?
A: The length of time sugary food stays in your child’s mouth can affect tooth decay. Avoid Halloween treats that tend to linger in the mouth, such as hard candy canes, sticky sweets or even the dried fruit in seasonal favourites such as barmbrack, as they will do the most damage to teeth.
Q: What drinks are best for my child’s teeth?
A: It is important for children to drink plenty of water to rinse away the sugar after eating Halloween treats. Carbonated drinks and even some fruit juices or smoothies tend to be high in sugar and bad for your teeth. Instead, try to opt for water or milk whenever possible.
Q: How can I limit the damage caused by sugary treats?
A: Instead of grazing on Halloween treats throughout the day, allow children to enjoy a few sweet snacks as dessert after a meal. Saliva production increases during meals, which helps rinse away sugary food particles and can reduce the risk of cavities.
Q: Should I change my child’s dental health routine at Halloween?
A: As teeth may be exposed to more sugar and acid during Halloween, maintaining a basic dental care routine at home is key for all the family. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and drink plenty of water.
Q: Should my child brush teeth straight after eating a sugary snack?
A: After eating sugary treats, children should wait 30 minutes before brushing. Some acidic foods soften your enamel, so if you brush right after eating them, you can risk hurting your enamel further while it is still sensitive.
Q: Could Halloween fangs or false teeth damage my child’s mouth?
A: It is important to be cautious of Halloween costumes that may impact dental health, such as fake teeth or prosthetics. Read the labels carefully to avoid any potential choking hazards for children. For younger children, who are losing baby teeth, it is best to avoid wearing any false teeth or fangs, in case tooth loss may be accelerated.
For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie
And check out our Halloween special offer for children.
