Halloween and Kids' Teeth

As the weather gets cooler and pumpkins are showing up at the roadside, most kids are gearing up for Halloween.

Now, I know you're probably expecting an anti-candy sermon from the dentist! Not so! My own kids bring home more than anyone could possibly eat. But somehow, they manage. Let me offer some dental health tips for the holiday:

• Try not to eat candy after dinner (except on Halloween, of course). Before bed is the worst time of the day to eat candy.
  
  
• It's actually better for your teeth to eat all your candy quickly, rather than eating a handful daily for many weeks.
  
  
• One idea for parents: Perhaps the privilege of eating all that candy (the kids and parents...don't think you're exempt just because you're grown up!) should come with a promise to do an especially good job brushing and flossing.
  
  
• If you are not already using a fluoride rinse as a routine cavity preventive, this could be a good time to start!

My favorite candies are Gummies, but they never seem to show up much on Halloween. Lucky for my kids--they don't have to hide their candy from me! Have a fun holiday.

--Jay D. Parnes, DDS
815 Ayrault Road, Fairport, NY 14450
716-223-0460