It’s that time of year again when children don their best spooky or cutesy costume for a trick or a treat. On Halloween night, little ghouls, princesses, and superheroes will line the neighborhood streets searching for the houses with the best candy.

But, while Halloween is a night for the kids to indulge in delicious sugary sweets, parents should be aware of their children’s dental health.

Here’s how to beat the sweets:

1. Avoid candy and sugary treats during certain times of the day.
Because saliva production increases during meals, it’s recommended that candy be eaten with meals or shortly after. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles.

2. Avoid certain types of candy.
It’s best to avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time. This is because the length of time sugary food is in your mouth the more likely tooth decay will occur. Avoid sticky candies as well; these candies can often get stuck to your teeth for long periods of time.

3. Avoid sugary beverages.
It’s best to check the label on beverages as most sodas and juices are loaded with sugar. Like candy, frequent contact with these types of beverages can lead to an increase in tooth decay. Increase your water intake as water with fluoride can help prevent tooth decay.

4. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
A nutritious diet should be in the cards every day of the year. Fresh fruits and vegetables and a balanced meal can make all the difference in how you feel each day.

While a sweet treat and a piece of candy is OK every now and again, overindulging can lead to poor health conditions and an increased chance of cavities. If you have questions, feel free to contact St. George Medical Clinic for more information.