Kids love Halloween. Not only do they get a chance to dress up and go door-to-door in search of candy, but they also have the opportunity to eat as many sweets as they want. However, all that sugar can wreak havoc on your child’s oral health.

In this blog post, Something To Smile About can show you ways to avoid tooth decay, small cavities, gum disease, and other problems this spooky season. General and cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Boulard can perform a dental exam in Merrimack, NH, and ensure you and your family’s teeth and gums stay healthy.

Does Halloween candy cause cavities?

The simple fact is Halloween candy is made of sugar, and sugary foods do contribute to small cavities and even gum disease. Unfortunately, this entire holiday is based on celebrating with candy and sweets. However, you can prevent tooth decay by cutting back on how much sugar you and your family consume.

You can still enjoy Halloween without risking your family’s dental health. Something To Smile About provides these tips before going trick-or-treating in Merrimack, NH:

• Limit candy intake: This may sound obvious, but allow your child to eat only one or two pieces of candy per day after they come home from trick-or-treating. Halloween is about getting dressed up and enjoying sweets, but it doesn’t need to turn into a free-for-all on sugar.

• Brush their teeth after eating candy: When your child does eat candy, make sure they brush their teeth before going to bed. The American Dental Association suggests brushing with fluoride toothpaste and using dental floss to remove any pieces left in the mouth.

• Let them chew sugar-free gum: Sugar-free gum does help with cavity prevention. Chewing gum can also boost saliva production and inhibit plaque growth.

• Eat healthy alternatives: Instead of candy, there are tasty and healthy snack options to offer your children this Halloween season. Some great choices include cut-up fruit, pretzels, and granola bars.

When should we schedule a dental exam?

There are a few signs that indicate something is wrong with your child’s oral health. If you notice the following symptoms, schedule a dental exam with a dentist in Merrimack, NH as soon as possible:

• Red or swollen gums (an early indicator of gum disease)

• Tooth pain or discomfort, especially when chewing or biting down

• Bad breath that doesn’t respond to brushing or mouthwash

Remember, even small cavities can lead to serious dental problems when left untreated for too long. If your family shows signs of a dental issue, make sure you schedule a dental exam with Something To Smile About. We will help you fix the problem before it requires extensive treatment.

Have a healthy Halloween

If you’re a parent, there’s no better time to teach your family about the importance of dental care. The trained dental professionals at Something To Smile About can perform routine exams and cleanings, teach your child how to brush and floss their teeth, and watch for signs of issues that cause dental pain and other issues. To learn about our services and how to have a healthy Halloween, call to meet with Dr. Kevin Boulard in Merrimack, NH.