Children's Halloween Candy Exchange for oral health goodies from October 31
Because we care... Join us in promoting positive oral health with our latest initiative, by encouraging your children to bring in their leftover Halloween candy in exchange for an oral health goody bag!
Amid concerns that too many children would over-indulge at Halloween, with prolonged consumption of sugary sweet treats potentially leading to significant long term dental problems, Practice Principal Dr Greg Miller said while kids will be kids, moderation is the key take-home message for parents at Halloween. “We certainly aren’t the ‘fun police’ but we are passionate about getting a message out to parents about the dangers of sweet treats, particularly if consumed over a long period,” he said.
“Sweet treats are better consumed in moderation over one Halloween celebratory sitting, rather than over a prolonged amount of time. By all means, let your kids have fun at Halloween, but remove the left-over candy and sweets as soon as possible afterwards to prevent consumption over a sustained time period.”
Dr Miller said the key to stopping cavities was to prevent the mouth from remaining coated in acid-forming sugars and other carbohydrates found in sweets after eating.
“This Halloween let your children indulge, but it’s vital that they don’t overconsume,” he said.
“Rinse your child’s mouth with water after eating sweets and even have them chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva, which can neutralize acid attacks.”
“Most importantly, ensure treats aren’t consumed over a long period. Sweets are a special occasion food, and should be limited to those occasions.”
“So don’t leave the excess sweets and candy lying around as temptations after this Halloween. We’re encouraging parents to bring them into North Adelaide Dental Care to receive a free oral health pack. For every 50 grams of candy exchanged, $1 will also be donated to a local charity by the team” 
Research indicates that tooth decay in children is rising with over 50% of 6 year olds experiencing decay in their baby teeth, and almost half of 12 year olds experiencing decay in their permanent teeth. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia’s Health 2014; Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia: Key Facts and Figures Trends 2014)
Dr Miller’s tips to help your children’s teeth this Halloween:
• Have a sugar break in the lead-up to Halloween
• Let your children indulge if you wish, but do it one sitting, not over a prolonged period
• Think about alternatives to candy treats, such as cheap toys and trinkets
• Rinse your child’s mouth with water after eating the sweet treats
• Chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva and neutralize acid attacks
• Ensure children brush their teeth before bed