Halloween Tips for Cavities - 8 Calorie Prevention Tips for Kids

Halloween is just around the corner and that means candy, candy, and more candy. It's exciting - especially for a child. However, the risk of getting cavities increases because of all the sugar. The good news is that there are several tricks you can use to help prevent cavities.

Personally, I love candy - especially chocolate. So I've learned that in order to preserve your teeth you need to take some extra precautions, especially with a sweet tooth. You can use these strategies on your children during Halloween.

Cavity Prevention Tip #1 - Regulate Candy Intake

One good way to prevent cavities in children is to control how many pieces of candy they eat. Set a quota of how many pieces per day they eat and make sure they stick with it. I find that if I spread my candy intake over a longer period of time it helps with cavities.

Cavity Prevention Tip #2 - Chew Gum

Sugarless gum helps prevent cavities because it increases saliva production. Our saliva contains elements that help protect the teeth and prevent cavities. If you increase the amount of saliva it can help prevent cavities at Halloween.

Cavity Prevention Tip #3 - Drink Water

Directly after eating candy, have your kids drink pure water. Make sure they swish the water in their mouth a little bit before they swallow it. This will help get some of the sugars off the teeth.

Cavity Prevention Tip #4 - Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Just because your kids are eating candy doesn't mean they can't eat healthy overall. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients for overall health and the crunchy texture of some fruits and vegetables can help remove the sugars from the teeth.

Cavity Prevention Tip #5 - Have a Set Time for Candy

Developing a set time for candy can also help. This way you can encourage your kids to brush their teeth or at least rinse with water or mouthwash afterwards.

Cavity Prevention Tip #6 - Floss Daily

Flossing is so important for helping to remove food and debris from the teeth. Make sure your kids are flossing properly and that they floss at least once a day.

Cavity Prevention Tip #7 - Use Mouthwash

Keep a bottle of mouthwash handy. Even though this is no replacement for brushing and flossing, it works in a pinch. Purchase a travel size and if you are out and about and your kids start eating candy, take them to the restroom and have them rinse their mouths.

Cavity Prevention Tip #8 - Brush Your Teeth

At minimum your kids should be brushing their teeth twice a day. If they're eating a lot of candy, try to get them to brush their teeth at least once more - especially if they had just eaten a lot of Halloween candy.

In order to prevent cavities you need to be diligent. I notice that when I follow this advice my teeth and gums are a lot healthier.