HALLOWEEN can be a real nightmare.
Away from the scary costumes and ghoulish activities, the never-ending supply of tasty treats for kids causes parents plenty of headaches.
Dr. Priya Mistry spoke to The U.S Sun about how to protect kids and their teeth at Halloween and beyond[/caption]
Kids can get overloaded with sugary treats on holidays like Halloween, and the impact has seen dental visits spike at this time of year[/caption]
Getting spooked by cavities is a real issue for millions every October 31.
Luckily, Dr. Priya Mistry is on hand with some teeth-saving tips as the chocolate and candy start to flow.
According to statistics, emergency dentist visits spike by a whopping 80% at this time of year.
Dr. Mistry doesn’t want families to panic every time their little one bites into something tasty this Halloween.
She thinks underlying problems spark any issues and that biting into a hard piece of candy, for example, is “the straw which breaks the camel’s back.”
“There’s a definite increase,” she tells The U.S. Sun. “Sugar consumption is a year-round concern, especially with sugary drinks.”
The dentist, who specializes in jaw issues, has some good news for anyone with a scarily sweet tooth.
Common culprits like Skittles, Smarties, and Stabursts are on her banned list because they “cling to surfaces and require more chewing, which can also “aggravate jaw issues.”
There is, however, a tasty workaround.,
The Washington state-based expert says chocolate is the perfect replacement for anything that has the potential of cracking some of those precious pearly whites.
“As it melts so easily, dark or milk chocolate is the much better option,” Dr. Mistry admitted, stressing that caramel or other sticky filings can wreak havoc in unclean mouths.
There are further complications for children with braces, with sticky sweets easily attached to the metal frames.
“Kit Kats are good for kids with braces,” the dentist added. “They are softer than candies.”
Setting limits before Halloween helps.
Dr. Priya Mistry
Rationing is also crucial.
While bags quickly become full of treats, there is plenty of temptation to enjoy the contents before bedtime.
Dr. Mistry suggests setting expectations and rationing, if possible, to avoid sugar rushes, upset stomachs, and cracked teeth.
“We let our kids enjoy a few candies on Halloween, then take the bag,” she said ahead of the big day. “Setting expectations helps—telling kids they can have a few treats, and then you’ll take the rest.”
Some things, however, never change, no matter the holiday.
Regular brushing and flossing can help combat the sugars and carbohydrates sticking to our teeth.
And for the younger kids who still need to learn the importance of daily dental hygiene, Dr. Mistry has some unique ideas.
“Make it a game,” she said with a smile. “For younger kids, I pretend there are “tooth bugs” we must brush away. It’s engaging and makes them more willing to open up for brushing.”
Dr. Mistry is no killjoy.
She will not argue with her young daughter about the pros and cons of candy. She just wants kids – and parents – to be sensible.
“Nothing quite replaces candy for kids,” she admitted. “But rationing and moderation are best. Setting limits before Halloween helps, too.”
Dr. Mistry said chocolate – dark or milk – are the best options to avoid a trip to the dentist[/caption]
