Help your children's teeth survive the post-Halloween sugarfest

Help your children's teeth survive the post-Halloween sugarfest. Let your children eat their Halloween treats but make sure you brush their teeth afterward. Stock Image

According to the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and www.youroralhealth.ca, eating too much candy increases the risk of tooth decay, a bacteria that feeds on sugar from candy and other sweet things and produces acid that can damage teeth and lead to cavities.

In Ontario, tooth decay is the second most common cause of school absenteeism.

The ODA has some tips to help parents protect their children's oral health without taking away their enjoyment of Halloween.

"Children should have as much fun as possible on Halloween, including eating the candy they get from trick-or-treating," said Dr. Harry Hoediono, ODA president in a release. "The trick for parents is to moderate the intake of sweets and make sure kids stick to their brushing and flossing routine."

- When sorting through their candy, get your children to trade in their bad treats for stickers. See below of good and not-so-good candy.

- Eating sweets is fine when done in moderation. Keep candy in a sealed container and establish times when your child can have a treat.

- Immediately after meals is a good time to have sugary snacks as there is a better flow of saliva to help wash away foods and to dilute sugar.

- Brush and floss after snacking. If your child doesn't have access to a toothbrush while at school or a friend's house, give them sugarless gum to help get their saliva flowing.

- Alternate some healthy snacks, such as vegetables, fruits, yogurts and cheeses, with Halloween treats.

Good treats and not-so-good treats

The following treats are good and not-so-good for your teeth.

The Good:

Treats that are sugarless or low in sugar, not hard and easily brushed away after they are eaten.

Sugarless gum, peanuts, sunflower seeds and popcorn are good treats. Chocolate, a Halloween favourite, dissolves in your mouth instead of getting stuck in between your teeth, which is a good thing.

The Not-So-Good:

Treats that remain in the mouth for a long time are the prime culprits behind decay-causing bacteria. Avoid sticky sweets that adhere to teeth such as caramels, toffees and fruit roll-ups. Hard candies, such as lollipops and jawbreakers, can also cause chipped teeth and may damage dental work.

"Tooth decay is not caused just by eating candy, tooth decay comes from not brushing or flossing regularly and letting food sit on teeth for long periods of time," Hoediono said. "Establishing good oral health habits early in life can help kids survive almost anything - especially Halloween."

Oral Health for The Ages

Newborns and infants

- Before your baby has teeth, wipe the gums gently with a clean wet cloth after each feeding.

- Baby teeth start to erupt through the gums between six and nine months of age. These milk teeth, or first teeth, help your child eat and speak and also help the adult teeth come in straight.

- Even tiny teeth must be cleaned. Infants can get cavities just like older children and adults. Following all feedings, you should clean your baby's mouth and teeth.

- If the teeth are not large enough for an infant toothbrush, then simply use a piece of gauze or a wet facecloth to wipe teeth and gums. This prepares baby early for what should become a lifelong habit.

- If your baby sleeps with a bottle or sippy cup at naptime or bedtime, fill it with water only.

- Letting your baby sleep at the breast or with a bottle of juice, formula or milk can harm your baby's teeth. The sugar will remain on the child's teeth throughout the night and can damage the enamel and cause tooth decay.

- If your baby normally falls asleep while feeding, brush his or her teeth before feeding.

- Lift your baby's lip and watch for changes in colour, lines or spots on your child's teeth as these may be signs of potential problems.

- To prevent spreading germs that cause tooth decay, do not put anything in your child's mouth if it has been in your mouth.

- Baby's first visit to the dentist should occur by the age of one year, or when the first teeth appear.

Toddlers and preschoolers

- This is a good time in your child's life to build habits that will protect the teeth and lay the foundation for future health. Feed your child from all food groups and limit sugary foods or drinks.

- After eating sugary or sticky foods such as raisins, brush your child's teeth, rinse the mouth with water or serve juicy fruits or vegetables to clean the teeth.

- Don't let your child constantly sip on sugary liquids, including milk and juice from sippy cups. Offer these liquids only at mealtimes.

- Brush twice a day and use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste, rather than swallow it. If your child doesn't have the co-ordination necessary for proper toothbrushing, brush your child's teeth first and then let him or her "finish off".

- Begin flossing when your child's teeth are touching.

- Change your child's toothbrush every one to three months or immediately after an illness. Never share your toothbrush with your child or use your child's toothbrush.

- Let your child watch you brushing your teeth as often as possible. Children are wonderful imitators, and there's nothing like a parent's example to teach them the way to healthy dental practices.

Children and adolescents

Around the ages of six to eight years, the first teeth start to fall out and the permanent teeth erupt through the gums. By the age of 13 years, most of the permanent teeth, except for the wisdom teeth, should be in.

- Permanent teeth will not be replaced, so remember: Brush at least twice per day and floss once per day.

- Reduce sugar Intake. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that feed on sugar. This forms acid that harms your teeth.

- Limit snacking.

- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

- Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth when you are playing sports.

Brushing tips

- There are different ways to brush your teeth. Talk to your dentist about the best technique for you.

- Brush every exposed tooth surface.

- Use a gentle, massaging motion.

- Brush for two to three minutes.

- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

- Avoid brushing too hard.

- Change your toothbrush every three months.

- Never share your toothbrush or use someone else's toothbrush.

Flossing

Flossing cleans between your teeth and below the gum line, areas that your toothbrush can't reach.

If you don't floss, up to 35 per cent of your tooth surface is not cleaned. It's recommended that you floss at least once a day.

Nutrition and children

A good nutrition program for your child includes:

- Choosing foods from all four food groups;

- Cheese, yogurt and milk, which all contain calcium, a mineral that strengthens teeth and can help prevent cavities;

- Smart snacking between meals;

- Drinking milk, water or pure fruit juices instead of so-called "sport" or carbonated drinks;

- Cutting down on sugar;

- A visit to your dentist every six months.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that feeds on sugar from foods and produce acid that harms teeth. All foods and drinks, except water, can contribute to tooth decay in this way. In addition to limiting sugary snacks and snacks that stick or damage your teeth, ODA also suggest drinking tap water between meals and save sweets for mealtimes when they are less likely to harm your child's teeth and when saliva flow is greater.

Tooth decay facts:

- It is the second most common cause of school absenteeism;

- It is five times more common than asthma in children age five to 17;

- It can be transmitted by sharing a spoon with young children or licking their pacifier;

- It is preventable in almost all cases.