PREPPING TEETH FOR THE TOP CANDY
HOLIDAY
-What every parent can do for kids' oral health
at Halloween-
PARSIPPANY, NJ (October
2003) – The most
recent U.S. census shows that in the five- to
14-year age range alone 40 million1 prospective
trick-or-treaters could be out this Halloween.
If recent buying trends hold, Americans will
have 20 million pounds of candy corn2 on
hand - enough to give each costumed candy-lover
half a pound. That's before they get to the chocolate,
lollipops and other treats.
How can 32 tiny teeth
hold up against this onslaught? The trick is
to moderate kids' intake of sweets and make
sure they stick to their brushing-and-flossing
routine, according to Dr. Scott Navarro, dental
director, Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey. "Gathering
and eating Halloween treats can be a lot of fun
for kids and parents alike. The key is to enjoy
the treats in moderation and to give teeth a
treat too, in the form of a little extra care," Dr.
Navarro said.
Here are some fun and creative ways to protect
your child's smile and encourage good dental-care
habits this Halloween:
- Serve a healthy supper. A good meal before
trick-or-treating leaves less room for sugary
sweets.
- Set up a candy "bank." Allow your
child four or five pieces of candy, then store
the rest in a sealed container (freeze chocolates
and candy bars). Establish times when the "bank" will
be open for withdrawals over the next month.
- Offer tooth-friendly fare to trick-or-treaters.
Consider sugar-free treats or travel sizes
of toothpaste and dental floss. Just remember
that although treats like dried fruit and gummy
fruit snacks might be more nutritious than
candy, all hold decay-producing acid against
teeth for longer periods of time than other
snacks.
- Make sure candy is age-appropriate. Don't
give children ages five and under jawbreakers
or hard candies. These can chip teeth or cause
choking.
- Encourage kids to drink water throughout
the day. Especially after eating sweets. It
will help rinse sugar away from teeth until
there is time for proper brushing.
- Brush before bedtime. Offer your child a
new, brightly colored toothbrush as a final
Halloween treat. Insist on a good brush before
bedtime.
After Halloween, it's
best to wait until after meals to give kids
candy from the candy bank, because eating sugary
treats after a balanced meal is better than
eating them alone. "The
body produces more saliva to help digest big
meals, which washes away more food and helps
neutralize harmful acids before they can attack
teeth," Dr. Navarro said.
1Census 2000 Web site: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2001/cb01cn67.html
2National Confectioners Association
Web site: http://www.candyusa.org
Delta
Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s
and Connecticut's leading dental benefits
carrier, providing coverage to more than
one million people through contracts with
employers in New Jersey and Connecticut.
The Delta Dental Plan system is a national
network of independently operated, not-for-profit
dental service corporations specializing
in providing dental benefits programs for
employee groups throughout the country. For
more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com.
