Halloween is an increasingly popular celebration in Spain, and is already part of the school calendar. From the youngest children to teenagers, they dress up to enjoy the scariest night of the year, going out to beg for treats to the cry of "Halloween!trick or treat!"and have a good time with friends.
However, even if it's just for one day, excess sugar, collected sweets that can last for weeks at home, and the additions to some costumes, can have an impact on our children's dental health.
At Vélez & Lozano we want to help you make sure that Halloween doesn't take its toll on their teeth. Here are some 'tricks and treats' to minimise the impact of this fun celebration on children's oral health.
Tricks
- Healthy and themed snacksHalloween: We know that avoiding sweets altogether is tricky at this time of year. A good idea is to make healthy Halloween-themed snacks at home. Instead of biscuits or candy, use fruit or savoury ingredients to create fun but healthy options.
- Constant hydrationChildren run, scream and eat all afternoon, which can dry out the mouth and reduce salivary flow. Less saliva and more sticky sweets create the perfect environment for cavities to form. Make sure they drink water frequently, especially if they wear masks.
- Avoid disguised denturesPlastic dentures worn as part of costumes are not suitable for all mouths, and can cause gum sores or sores. Moreover, if they are removed and put in and out without hygiene, they can increase the risk of infections such as oral candidiasis. That's why this year we have decided to help you make up for this with our cspecial vampire elms and respectful of dental health.
- Sugar-free chewing gumFor children over 6 years old (and without overdoing it), offering them sugar-free chewing gum can be useful. It will give them a feeling of satiety, occupy their mouth while offering them more sweets and, in addition, will help to eliminate some leftover food and stimulate saliva production.
Deals
- Compulsory brushing before bedtimeAfter an afternoon of fun, it is important not to skip brushing teeth, no matter how tired they are. It is also advisable for parents to brush again that evening, making sure to clean the entire dental arch thoroughly.
- Sweets only at the weekendThere is no need for children to eat sweets every day after Halloween. Saving treats for the weekend and sharing them is a way to moderate their consumption.
- Healthy snackBefore going out for treats, make sure they have a good snack. Opt for hard foods such as apples, carrots or healthy snacks. This will help clear the molars of any accumulated sweet debris, and may reduce the urge to keep eating sweets.
Sometimes we think "a day is a day", but every little gesture counts. Children should enjoy Halloween, but it is our responsibility to guide them so that they also take care of their dental health. With good habits, we will avoid cavities, pain and aesthetic or chewing problems in the future - remember, tooth decay is 100% preventable!
