With Halloween edging closer every day, you can almost feel the anticipation building. The leaves are changing colors and beginning to fall, pumpkin-themed decorations are popping up everywhere you look, and kids are starting to plan their trick-or-treating costumes.
If you’re a parent, though, what you might be more concerned about is getting your little one through Halloween cavity-free.
One way to do that is with candies, mints, and gums made with xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener that helps prevent cavities. It does this in a couple of ways—first, by maintaining a healthy pH level in the mouth, and second, by keeping bacteria, which is the primary cause of decay, from clinging to teeth. You can found how what kinds of xylitol candies are available by visiting xlear.com, zappgum.com, Amazon, or even your local natural foods store.
Another way you can help your child stay cavity-free this Halloween weekend is with health activities like bobbing for apples or even spending time together carving up a pumpkin. Activities like these remain popular for a reason—they’re fun and they bring family together.
But in all honesty, a little candy in moderation won’t hurt. Just make sure your little one is also brushing thoroughly at least twice daily and is flossing at least once. Drinking plenty of water each day can help keep smiles cleaner overall, as can gargling with a quality mouthwash.
With these steps in mind, you can help your child have an exciting Halloween that also promotes good oral health.