Halloween is quickly approaching and concerns of cavities from candy are abundant.  Here are a few tips to follow to reduce your child's risk of cavities during the sweetest time of the year:

    1.  Everything in moderation. Try to avoid candy binges, as the longer the sugar is in contact with the teeth, the higher the risk of cavities.

    2.  Try to avoid sticky candies such as taffy, caramel and gummies.  These candies are harder for your saliva to wash away and neutralize.

    3.  Hard candies, like lollipops, should also be avoided.  These types of candies increase the time sugar is in contact with teeth, therefore increasing the risk of developing cavities.

    4.  Brush your child's teeth for at least 2 mintues with a fluoridated toothpaste after every exposure to sugar.

    5.  Introduce a fluoride mouthrinse to your child's bedtime routine (such as ACT rinse). Fluoride makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay.

    6.  When daytime brushing is not an option, give your child a piece of sugar-free gum (especially one containing Xylitol) within 30 minutes of eating candy. This counteracts the acidic environment created by the increase in sugar and reduces the risk of cavities.

    7.  Visit your dentist and have him/her place sealants on your child's teeth. These block the dangerous sugars and acids from penetrating the hard to brush grooves on molars.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!!