One of the greatest joys of Halloween for children is Trick-or-Treating. Unfortunately, the mass amounts of candy that come home can pose a serious risk to a child’s oral health.
Sticky, hard, and sour candy varieties pose big problems for tooth enamel, braces, and restorations, and all types of candy can increase the risk of tooth decay. But many parents are, understandably, hesitant to take a child’s bounty away, even when they know it’s likely best for the child’s teeth.
Enter the Switch Witch.
First conceived by a mother of two who was looking for a way to take away Halloween candy without being punitive, the Switch Witch is a good witch who visits homes on Halloween night to provide an alternative to all those sugary treats.
Toys, games, books, and other items your children are interested in make good swaps for Halloween candy – and with the Switch Witch, there’s even a story to go along with it. You can make up your own mythology or visit the official Switch Witch website for some inspiration and start a new tradition this Halloween.
Protecting Your Teeth
Is complete abstention from sugary treats necessary? Not at all. There are some pretty terrible candies out there, however, and knowing which Halloween treats are the worst offenders is a good idea. But some, like certain baked goods and even straight chocolate, are okay in moderation. Just be sure to limit your intake and brush and floss after every sugary snack to help prevent the oral and systemic health issues that can accompany too much sugar.
Schedule a Visit
In addition to your at-home routine, it’s a good idea for children and adults to visit the dentist every six months for professional cleanings. During these visits, we can ensure all surfaces of teeth – even below the gum line – are healthy and clean, working to prevent issues like infection and decay, and helping to ensure peak oral health for life.
Please call Mello & Tabib at 212-452-3344 or visit our website to schedule your next visit today. NYC Smile Design welcomes patients from Manhattan and all surrounding areas of New York.
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