Sticky sweets can lead to spooky scenarios for parents come fall season -- back to school, Halloween, and holiday parties! With pumpkin flavored specialty drinks, cookies, pies and everything in between, temptation is always lurking around the corner. And who doesn't want to snuggle up in front of the fireplace with a good book and a double shot, extra whip, artificially-flavored frappucino macchiato, right?
Candy consumption is hard to avoid around Halloween time, but there is helpful advice to make sure the pantry is stocked with sweets that are less damaging to both primary and adult teeth. Parents should sift through their kids trick-or-treating bags and make sure they lower the frequency of consumption over the course of a day.
Dark chocolate generally has less sugar than milk chocolate. What makes dark better are the antioxidants found in it, which are good for the heart and also lower blood pressure. The higher the percent of cocoa the less sweet and more healthy the chocolate. However, moderation is always key so it is important not to get carried away!
Sugar-free gum and candy help stimulate saliva and can prevent dry mouth, deter the formation of plaque (bacterial colonies) on teeth and therefore lower the risk of developing cavities. Gum can help saliva buffer the acids in the mouth and push out food lodged between the spaces. Xylitol products are great due to their ability to inhibit bacteria from forming cavities (read our previous article on this topic in the Blog secion of the website). On the other hand, excessive gum chewing can cause jaw fatigue and TMJ problems so moderation plays a role here, too.
Generally sticky sweets have have higher levels of acid and can quickly cause tooth decay. About 7 out of 10 kids have cavities that form in the deep crevices of the back molars. A good preventative strategy is to come in for regular cleanings, exams and get sealants placed in those "trouble" spots. The sealants nowadays come with fluoride to strengthen enamel while "sealing off" the groovy surfaces of the teeth that are prone to attack. What's so nice about this procedure is that it is minimally invasive, takes a few minutes, allows for safe preventative care, is typically covered by all insurances, and does not involve numbing, needles or pain associated with removing a cavity!
While avoiding sweets can be challenge, taking extra precautions and giving your kids a healthy smile is worth it! Besides, we want them smiling and happy for years to come. Now is the time to be proactive!
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