(952) 431-5774
14682 Pennock Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124
BlogPress ReleaseForms / PrivacyRequest an AppointmentReview Us!Pay Your Bill
Dakota Dental and Wellness Center, A Different Kind of Dentistry
  • Get to Know Dakota Dental
    • Reviews
    • Preventative Care Program
      • Dental Sealant Services
      • Education
    • Patient Resources
      • After Treatment Instructions
      • Books For Kids
      • Answers About Flouride
      • 1st Filling
      • 1st Visit
    • Community Outreach
    • Financing Options
    • Ask A Question
  • Dental Services
    • Invisalign
    • Implants
      • All-On-Four® Dental Implants
      • Dental Implant Consultation
      • Dental Implant FAQ
      • Dental Implant Surgery
      • Fixed Teeth vs. Removable
      • Full Mouth Dental Implants
      • Metal-Free Dental Implants
    • Crowns
    • Bridges
    • Dentures
    • Gum Disease Treatment
    • Oral Surgery & Extractions
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Root Canal
    • Fillings
    • Kids & Parents
      • Sealants
      • Preventative Care
    • Sedation Dentistry
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Veneers And Bonding
    • Replacing Fillings
    • Restoration
    • Teeth Whitening
  • Holistic Wellness
    • Ozone Treatment
    • Cavitation
    • Sleep Apnea Treatment
    • Metal-Free Dental Implants
    • Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART)
  • Contact Us
    • Request an Appointment
Young girl outdoors in witch costume on Halloween holding candy

Oral Health vs. Halloween Candy – How to Have the Best of Both Worlds

October 21, 2016Dakota DentalDental Tips

If the falling leaves, cooler temperatures, and pumpkin-flavored everything hasn’t tipped you off yet, the spooky decorations, fake cobwebs, and candy are all clues that Halloween is just around the corner. Sweet treats are one of the best parts of Halloween, especially for kids, but is it possible to enjoy Halloween candy while still avoiding cavities?

Halloween might actually be an ideal time to teach children good oral health habits without completely depriving them of their sugar-coated joys. The dentists at Dakota Dental believe that teaching some simple lessons in moderation and explaining how tooth decay happens will go a long way to helping kids learn the importance of dental health.

After kids get back from trick or treating, have them all sit down and go through their bags of candy. Next, choose a number and let them pick out that amount of candy from those they want the most (be sure that amount is appropriate for their age). Then, the rest of the candy goes out of sight – either freeze extra treats for another time or maybe give them away at work.

Letting your kids pick out their candy not only limits the amount of sugar they have, but it also teaches them that while having some candy isn’t bad, it’s the excess of sugars and starches that can lead to oral health problems and cavities down the road.

With their candies chosen, designate a “treat time” for kids to eat their candy. This helps promote the idea that eating sugary snacks isn’t an all-day thing and helps them understand when they can look forward to their treat. Lastly, make sure that kids know how to clean their teeth and schedule their brushing to be shortly after their snack time.

The family dentists at Dakota Dental know that it isn’t fair to completely deprive kids of candy, especially around Halloween. But teaching kids about preventive dental care and the long-term benefits of having healthy teeth can go a long way to a lifetime of healthy habits. For more tips on how to clean your teeth or other good oral health practices, contact Dakota Dental today.

Tags: children’s dental services, Importance of Dental Health, Oral Health Problems

Related Articles

Enjoy Halloween Treats without Harming your Teeth

October 20, 2017Dakota Dental

Take Care of Your Toothbrush with These Tips From Dakota Dental

May 29, 2014Dakota Dental

Dakota Dental Reminds Parents that Childhood Oral Health Starts Early

June 26, 2013Dakota Dental

Recent Posts

  • How to Scrape Your Tongue (According to the Experts)
  • How Does Well Water Affect Teeth?
  • Tooth Truth or Mouth Myth: Can Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?
  • Creating Your Kid’s Brushing Routine
  • Handling a Dental Emergency During Holiday Travel

Categories

  • Dental Tips
  • Our Clinic
  • Press Release

DakotaDental_2019_Final_Logo_Reversed

At Dakota Dental we want each patient to know they are part of our family. Our goal is that every person leaves with a smile that is not only healthy, but one which they can be proud of.

Dakota Dental Clinic P.A., complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Language Information
  • The Language Assistant Statement
  • The Top 15 Languages in Minnesota

Care Credit

Forms

  • Patient Info/Health History Form
  • Privacy Policy

Contact Dakota Dental

14682 Pennock Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124
(952) 431-5774
Facebook
Google+
Yelp
Request an Appointment!
Copyright © 2019 Dakota Dental | Powered by Brandography