Keep Your Little Ghosts and Goblins' Teeth Healthy this Halloween

Don't be spooked this Halloween season.  Take this opportunity to establish healthy habits for those trick-or-treaters and keep those tiny teeth healthy.  Here are some tips recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

• Establish Healthy Habits- Parents who take care of their own oral health will instill proper life-long lessons for their children.
• Brush Before and After- Tooth decay and cavities occur when sugar reacts to bacteria and dental plaque.  Brushing before and after candy consumption reduces the amount of bacteria and plaque on teeth.  
• Help Your Kids Brush- Most children under the age of 8 are not ready to brush on their own.
• Monitor Candy Consumption- Limit the amount of candy kids eat.  Consider providing a treat with or after a meal.
• Limit Hard Candy- Encourage kids to eat candy that melt quickly and try to avoid gooey or chewy candy that linger in the mouth which increases their cavity risk.
• Fluoride and Flossing- Fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay by as much as 50%, and flossing may help prevent gum disease and tooth decay in between teeth.  Teach children to brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss once a day as soon as the first two teeth come into contact.  
• Don't Be Afraid of the Dentist- With all of the sweet treats consumed around Halloween, now is a great time for parents and caregivers to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for their children.  Children should visit the dentist every six months for a check-up to avoid dental problems and keep smiles healthy.