It is every child’s dream to collect a mountain of candy on Halloween. Unfortunately, this can also be their parents’ worst nightmare. So why not use this favourite holiday to teach your children good oral health habits, without denying them the joy of Halloween treats?
The fact is that you don’t have to deprive your children of the wonderful experience of a candy-filled Halloween. Doing so could even make treats seem more irresistible to your kids. They may end up sneaking candy or eating too much once they are no longer under your watchful eyes.
Instead, let them enjoy this annual event in all its glory along with the experience of going trick-or-treating. This can also be a good time to teach your children that it isn’t just excess sugar that leads to cavities. Snacks such as pretzels, chips, juice, soda, and popcorn can lead to oral health issues as well.
It can be extremely beneficial to let children help decide what is a reasonable amount of candy to eat. The message shouldn’t be that sweets are bad, but that candy and other treats can lead to cavities. Children can learn several important lessons through this approach:
- How to control their diets and moderate their junk food intake.
- What they eat relates to oral health not just physical health.
- Eating sweets shouldn’t be an all-day feast. Moderation is key.
- Children will be less inclined to think about eating sweets.
Teeth-Cleaning Tips for Kids That Hate Brushing
No matter when your child eats a treat, it’s crucial to brush soon after. Nighttime is especially important, as brushing and flossing teeth before bed will help sweep away the recent sweets. Fluoride mouth rinses for kids can also help to prevent tooth decay.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months, so make Halloween an occasion for getting your child a brand new brush. Children are much more likely to enjoy brushing if they like the toothbrushes they have. These days you can choose from a wide range of kid-sized brushes that feature cartoon characters and colorful designs.
Children are also fond of picking out their own toothpaste. Give them the freedom to pick from gels or pastes, different colours, and different flavors. Note: be sure to check the tube to see if it contains fluoride, which can be harmful to young children.
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