ROANOKE, Va. – Halloween is a festive time for kids, complete with candy and treats, but it also brings oral health challenges, especially with bags full of sticky, sugary goodies.
Dental professionals advise that parents oversee their children’s Halloween candy stash to prevent overindulgence that can lead to cavities over the following weeks.
“It’s fine to enjoy candy, especially around the holidays,” says Dr. Elizabeth Stapleton, an orthodontist at Roanoke Valley Orthodontics. “Holidays are special, so we don’t want to dampen the fun. We just remind everyone to enjoy treats in moderation.” She also recommends rinsing with water after candy to minimize cavity risk throughout the day, and stresses the importance of brushing before bed on Halloween, just like any other night.
For children with braces, Dr. Stapleton advises avoiding sticky, chewy, or hard candies and instead choosing options like plain chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, and M&Ms to prevent damage to braces.
Routine dental checkups every six months are also essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, especially during candy-filled holidays like Halloween.
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