It’s impossible to stop children enjoying sweets at this time of year, but a few simple precautions can help avoid damage to teeth and braces.
Avoid Sticky Sweets
Licorice, caramels, taffy, bubblegum, and gummies can damage brace brackets or wires. These sticky sweets are difficult to remove from brackets and wires, and the longer they remain on teeth, the greater the chance of cavities. Also, make sure your child gives hard, crunchy nuts or popcorn a wide berth.
Choose Soft Sweets That Melt in the Mouth
Softer sweets like chocolate, peanut butter cups, peppermint patties or other treats that melt in the mouth are still deliciously indulgent but do far less damage to braces. Also, chocolate and sweets that melt quickly are far better because they are more easily rinsed away by saliva, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Brushing and Flossing after Eating Something Sweet
After your child has eaten something sweet, get them to rinse their mouth with water, giving it a good swish around to wash away excess sugars. Wait at least half an hour before letting them brush and floss their teeth.
Look for Halloween Themed Recipes That Are Sugar-Free
Halloween doesn’t have to focus on sugar as there are plenty of other recipes that are sugar-free and which are lots of fun to make and eat.