We love Halloween as much as anyone, however, we also know that your child’s trick or treating haul may increase the risk of cavities forming. Fortunately, we have a few tips for Gary, IN, parents to help protect their children’s smiles from cavities in the Halloween season!

Candy Alternatives and Homecare

First off, you don’t have to hand out candy to the children. You and your neighbors could instead hand out temporary tattoos, stickers, or even small party favors. Not only do you limit the risk of cavities, you also assuage the worries of parents that have kids with allergies to common candy ingredients, such as nuts.

You also need to make sure that your kids continue to take proper care of their smiles each day. Every day, children of all ages need to brush their teeth a day and floss every night before bed. For toddlers and young children, you may need to monitor or assist them. Cleaning your teeth from home helps remove food particles from on and between your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.

Preventive Dental Care

You can also see us for a checkup and cleaning. The cleaning removes plaque buildup from the teeth, reducing the opportunities for decay to develop. We also have fluoride treatments and dental sealants to strengthen the smiles and help prevent cavities from forming.

Limiting Consumption

If your little ones do bring in an epic haul of sweets, try to limit how many they can eat each day. Drinking a glass of water as you eat them also helps. We also suggest offering to “buy” your child’s candy. For example, let them pick out a few favorite pieces and you can pay a dollar or two for the rest, or buy a small toy.

Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?

Our team wants to help your children stay free of cavities. To schedule an appointment with your dentist, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.