Say Boo! To Tooth Decay

• When sorting through their candy, get your child to trade in their problematic treats for stickers or other little toys.
• Eating sweets is fine when done in moderation. Keep candy in a sealed container and establish times when your child can have a treat. Immediately after meals is a good time, as there is a better flow of saliva to help wash away foods and to dilute sugar.
• Brush and floss after snacking. If your child doesn’t have access to a toothbrush while at school or a friend’s house, give them sugarless gum to help get their saliva flowing.
• Alternate some healthy snacks, such as vegetables, fruits, yogurts and cheeses, with Halloween treats.
• Be sure to stick to a good oral health routine – brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.

Treats, Not Tricks!

Better choices:

• Treats that are sugarless or low in sugar, not hard and easily brushed away after they are eaten.
• Sugarless gum, peanuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn or sugarless lollipops are good treats to hand out.

Those to avoid:

• Treats that remain in the mouth for a long time are the prime culprits behind decay-causing bacteria. Avoid sticky sweets that adhere to teeth, such as caramels, toffees and fruit roll-ups.
• Hard candies, such as lollipops and jawbreakers, can also cause chipped teeth and may damage dental work.

Download The Printable Version – Ontario Dental Association