Candy, Candy and more Candy. While dressing up is part of the fun, we all know that the ultimate goal of Halloween is to collect as much candy as humanly possible. While kids wait all year for this holiday of endless sugar, it can often be a nightmare for parents concerned about what the excessive amount of sugar is doing to their kids teeth.
We reached out to local Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Michael Vann, DMD of Vann Pediatric Dental for some tips on keeping those sugar bugs to a minimum while still allowing the kids to enjoy themselves this Halloween.
Dr. Vann says that in addition to brushing Morning and Night and flossing at least once each day, to make sure you never eat or drink anything other than water after you brush your teeth at night. (Hide the Halloween candy if you must.)
He also suggests avoiding sticky candy such as taffy, gummy’s, caramel, etc. Sticky Candy adheres to teeth and can lead to decay.
Try to consume the candy with a meal. Increased saliva production while eating will help wash the sugar off of teeth.
Drink water to rinse sugar from teeth. Chewing sugar free gum containing xylitol. As with eating a meal, the increased saliva from chewing will help wash the sugar off the teeth and the xylitol in gum will help control the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
We hope you all have a very Happy and Safe Halloween.
About Dr. Vann: Dr. Michael Vann is a native of Trussville, Alabama. After graduating college with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1998, he attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and graduated in 2003 with a D.M.D degree. After finishing dental school, he chose to spend a couple of years treating children in an under-served area, which he really enjoyed and gained a lot of experience. He returned to The Children’s Hospital of Alabama/University of Alabama at Birmingham to complete his education with a residency in pediatric dentistry and received his certificate. While at the Children’s Hospital of Alabama, Dr. Vann gained a lot of experience with trauma, dental treatment in the operating room, treatment of special needs, treatment of children who were extremely fearful and full mouth pediatric dental rehabilitation. He is proud to be associated and have graduated from a world-renowned pediatric dental program. In March of 2011, Dr. Vann finally completed his lifelong professional dreams and returned home to Trussville to begin his own private practice.
1808 Hwy. 11 Ste. 134 Trussville, AL 35235 (205)508-3399 vannpediatricdental@gmail.com
