SUNDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Children can enjoy some
Halloween candy and still avoid sugar-related tooth decay,
according to Dr. Margaret Mitchell, a Chicago dentist.
Mitchell said the key to preventing tooth decay lies in limiting
not only the amount of candy children eat, but also how long the
sugar remains in the mouth.
Brushing teeth as soon as possible after eating candy may keep
harmful bacteria from developing, she said, and eating the candy
quickly in one sitting decreases the amount of time it is contact
with the teeth.
Children and parents can take several additional steps to
protect their teeth, said Mitchell, owner of the Mitchell Dental
Spa. These include:
- Take inventory. Parents should examine their children's candy
and remove anything they consider unacceptable before allowing them
to eat it.
- Avoid anything tacky or gummy. This type of candy can stick
to teeth and cause decay.
- Be consistent. No matter what time of day children eat candy
(day or night), they should remember to have good dental
hygiene.
- Take precautions. Before Halloween rolls around, a dentist
can put sealants into children's teeth grooves to protect them
against corrosion caused by too much sugar.
More information
The American Dental Association has more on
preventing tooth
decay.