Not only is Halloween just around the corner, 'tis also the season to be jolly -- and candy and other sweets are more commonplace in the home. And while there is the chance for increased cavities from overindulging in sweets and candies at this time of year, parents can protect their child's teeth and oral health.
Moderation is key, recommends the Ohio Dental Association president Dr. Billie Sue Kyger, a family dentist in Gallipolis, "Monitor and limit the amount of sugary sweets and candy your children are eating," she advises. And, Kyger stressed, this is just as important for adults as it is for children. When possible, she recommends brushing teeth after eating the candy, especially hard candies which tend to leave a sticky residue on the teeth, and which can contribute to tooth decay.
The following recommendations from the Ohio Dental Association can help protect the oral health of children and adults:
* Do not eat candy and go to bed without brushing teeth.
* Softer candy is better than hard in terms of sugar content and how it stays on the teeth.
* Understand that the longer a sugary material is in the mouth; e.g., lollipop or hard candy, the higher the possibility for problems.
* Children need to brush their teeth especially well Halloween night before going to bed.
* Children over age six should also use a fluoride rinse right after brushing -- and should not drink water or any other beverage for at least 30 minutes to help ensure the best results from the fluoride rinse.
* Parents should help younger children and toddlers with their teeth brushing routine to make sure the teeth are brushed properly and well.
* Limit daily intake of the treats.
While Halloween is a holiday most associated with treats, this is a time of year for additional precautions, state the ODA and the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA said tooth decay is often the "uninvited holiday guest" and recommends:
* Brush twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss once a day to remove plaque from between your teeth and avoid gum problems. With all those holiday goodies, it's more important than ever to keep up with your regimen of brushing and flossing. And if it's time for your periodic dental check-up, don't put it off, no matter how busy you are.
The Ohio Dental Association serves 5,400 members in Ohio -- approximately 80 percent of Ohio's practicing dentists. For information on public service programs, oral health, and dentistry in Ohio, visit www.oda.org .
