It’s almost time for Halloween, and we all know what that means—sugar! Keep toothaches and cavities at bay with Oahu’s Pedodontic Associates by following these essential dental care tips.

5 Trick-Or-Treating Tips

1. Eat In Moderation 

Don’t deny your kids the fun Halloween experience. Instead, let them enjoy their candy in moderation. Have them choose a few pieces to eat at a time, and explain why you have to keep the remaining candies for later.

2. Ditch Lollipops 

Some candy is worse than others when it comes to oral health. Pediatric dentists suggest avoiding lollipops and hard candies, because these take longer to dissolve in your child’s mouth. The longer candy lingers, the more acids build up, slowly eroding teeth enamel and feeding dangerous bacteria. 

3. Avoid Sticky Candies 

Similar to hard candies, you should also discourage your kids from eating sticky, sugary sweets. Caramels, taffies, and gummy worms cling to teeth and take longer to wash away with saliva. 

4. Set A Treat Time 

Allow your children to eat candy during meals or shortly after mealtime—this is when saliva production is at its highest, and the protective enzymes in saliva help protect teeth against cavities. As an added bonus, your kid will fill up on dinner or lunch instead of sweets.

5. Brush Before Bedtime

Before going to bed, make your little ones brush their teeth and floss. Children under the age of eight still need supervision during brush time, so stick around to make sure they cover every surface, including their tongue. You should try to make dental care fun for kids and give lots of encouragement. 

After the trick-or-treating bag finally runs dry, visit Pedodontic Associates for a thorough cleaning. Working with infants, toddlers, and adolescents for over 25 years, their pediatric dentists have earned a reputation as top providers in Hawaii. To schedule an appointment in Aiea, call (808) 487-7933; if you live in Honolulu, call (808) 735-1733; or to see a pediatric dentist in Kahului, call (808) 877-0066. You can also visit the practice’s website and Twitter page for more tips on kids’ dental care.