Halloween and Healthy Teeth: Some Tips for Combining Fun and Good Dental Hygiene

MONTREAL, Oct. 23, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - It's hard for children to resist all those tempting sweets they collect when they go trick or treating. Here are a few tips for parents, so their children can enjoy Halloween while looking after their teeth.

Sweets and dental health
Halloween doesn't have to mean cavities. The first thing to understand is how sugar acts on teeth. Whenever children - or adults, for that matter - eat sweet food or drink sweet liquids, particles remain on and between their teeth. This increases the risk of developing cavities.

If these particles aren't removed by brushing and flossing, bacteria in the mouth transform the sugars in these particles into acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel and over time create a cavity.

Practical advice for avoiding cavities
The Ordre des dentistes du Québec recommends that parents fight the negative consequences of eating sweets by following some good dental hygiene practices.

Here are some tips for protecting children's teeth at Halloween:

• Avoid soft, sticky sweets that get stuck between the teeth, like caramels and gummy candies.
• Eat sweets after a meal. There is more saliva at that point, which helps to neutralize some acids that attack the teeth and eliminate excess sugar.
• Have your children brush their teeth after eating sweets. Otherwise, give them a glass of water, as that will dilute some of the sugars and acids.
• Make sure they floss and brush their teeth before bedtime.

Feel free to consult your dentist with any questions about your oral health. Dentists are doctors in dentistry. They are the only oral health care professionals qualified to provide a diagnosis and advise you on all the appropriate treatment.

About the Ordre des dentistes du Québec
The Ordre des dentistes du Québec represents over 4,800 dentists. Its mission is to ensure the quality of dental services by maintaining high professional and ethical standards, and to promote oral health among Quebecers.

SOURCE: Ordre des dentistes du Québec

Victor Henriquez, SFi Relations publiques, 514 377-1102, [email protected]