Halloween is a favorite holiday among children of all ages. Colorful costumes and Halloween games are merely bonuses to the free candy they collect from neighbors, loved ones, and family members. Unfortunately, all this free candy can have negative effects on the health of your child’s teeth.
The best way to prevent tooth decay and other issues caused by excessive candy consumption is to schedule an appointment with Reason To Smile. Dr. Vernon is a self-professed tooth nut and aims to help residents of Salt Lake City achieve the smile they desire. Before you contact our Millcreek dental office, let us explain the importance of a Halloween dental checkup and some healthy alternatives to candy.
Importance of a Halloween Dental Checkup
As mentioned before, candy can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues. On Halloween, free candy is given out door-to-door and kids often eat as much as they can. Pair this with poor oral hygiene habits and there is a fairly good chance of tooth decay. In fact, dental cavities are all too common this time of year.
Dental checkups are immensely important, and around Halloween they can be even more so. Dr. Vernon will clean the hard-to-reach areas of your child’s mouth to ensure even the most difficult-to-clean areas are bacteria free. Any plaque and tartar will be removed as well. We will also be able to assess your child’s teeth to see if any cavities have formed or are forming. If this is the case, we can schedule a follow-up appointment to correct this issue.
Healthy Halloween Treats
While sugary treats and candy can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues, there are alternatives that you can give your children. Some of these healthy alternatives to candy are:
- Pumpkin Seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds are a seasonal favorite and they are easy to get if you plan on carving your own pumpkins. Once they are toasted, lightly season them with salt and your favorite seasoning for a delicious treat.
- Sugar-Free Gum: Many dentists recommend sugar-free gum because it is less likely to damage your teeth. Better yet, you can pass these out to trick-or-treaters instead of candy.
- Honey Sticks: Another alternative to Halloween candy is honey sticks. Made of natural honey, these sticks will satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth without worrying about them eating too much. Better yet, you can find different flavors of honey sticks!
Visit Reason To Smile Today!
In addition to Halloween being just around the corner, you should also take advantage of end of the year dental checkups and cleanings. This is a great way to end the year and get 2017 started off right!
If you are interested in scheduling a post Halloween dental checkup, Dr. Vernon at Reason To Smile is here to help. You can contact us online or give us a call at (801) 719-5447 to schedule an appointment.
