Tooth Tips for Halloween

I’ll admit it. It's Halloween time and I am afraid. And it is not so much the ghosts and goblins it’s all that decay. Tooth decay. Mmm, hmm. I’m one of those kind. The sugar-free gum chewing, brushing my teeth 30 minutes after any trace of candy kind. I’m a little obsessed about teeth and a clean mouth.

My obsession has paid off with my no cavity record. But now my record is in jeopardy. I’ve got a tooth that is starting to look like it might form a cavity. Aaahhh! To make matters worse, I’ve got a niece who just got braces and I’ve got my sweet baby who loves everything well, sweet. So as we head into Halloween I’m getting my family's tooth plan ready.

Ensure that you and your kids have a healthy smile after Halloween with these simple tips:

• Kids are all about the Goodie bag on Halloween. Get a new toothbrush with their favorite characters for their Halloween bag.
• Be selective with the treats you distribute and let your kids eat. Candy that melts in your mouth easily is the best choice. Try to avoid sticky treats which adhere to your teeth longer promoting bacterias which create acid that weakens tooth enamel.
• Drink water after treats. This will help rinse away sugars that can linger on the teeth. If possible drink fluoridated water which has been shown to reduce cavities from 20 to 40 percent.
• Go for sugar free-candy and gum and dark chocolate where possible.
• Send your kids out with a full belly to avoid the temptation of overdoing it with their Halloween stash.
• Make sure that you and your kids brush and floss before bed. It'll be the perfect time to break out those new toothbrushes!