As many children prepare for trick-or-treating, Island Health’s Dental Program is reminding families of a few simple tricks that can help keep fang-tastic smiles healthy this Halloween.
Dental hygienists recommend brushing twice daily with toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride protects teeth by rebuilding minerals lost when sugar and acid attack the enamel. This is especially important for children since baby teeth have thinner enamel and are more vulnerable to damage.
Tooth decay is the most common, yet preventable, childhood chronic disease in Canada and around the world. Treatment of dental problems is the leading cause of day surgery under general anesthesia in Canada, among children under the age of five, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Early childhood cavities account for nearly one-third of all day surgeries performed on Canadian children between the ages of one and five.
Halloween tips
- Brush twice daily with toothpaste containing fluoride
- After brushing teeth, avoid rinsing for 10 to 30 minutes. Fluoride in the toothpaste needs a bit of time to activate and rinsing right away can wash off the toothpaste. Spit out excess toothpaste, then allow the remaining fluoride to continue strengthening tooth enamel.
- Enjoy sweet treats as part of a meal or snack. Frequent eating throughout the day harms teeth, as they need breaks to recover; constant exposure to food prevents saliva from neutralizing acids increasing the risk of tooth damage.
- Offer plain water to help rinse the mouth after eating.
Learn about Island Health’s Dental Program.
Learn more about dental health for children.