Trick or Teeth
It’s that time of year again when the pumpkins are adorning the neighbourhood porches and soon an army of small people disguised as an array of spooky characters will be on the hunt for every child’s favourite thing – sweets!
However, it’s easy to lose track of the frightening amount of sugar a child can consume in one night, with some of the worst-offending sweets containing up to 17g in just one handful.
So, which of those tempting treats should find their way into the pumpkin bucket and which should be banished?
Sticky, hard-boiled sweets are among the worst for teeth due to their high sugar levels and because they remain in the mouth for longer, the increased acid can wear down enamel. There is also the risk ofchipping teeth – not much fun. Also at the top of the “banished” list are sour sweets. Their high levels of acid can cause sensitivity and an increased chance of cavities. They can even damage taste buds.
Hygienist Hannah Ripley recommends opting for low-sugar sweet options like jelly sweets and yogurt-covered fruit. Popcorn drizzled with chocolate can also make a fun but healthier treat.
“Children can still enjoy their treats but it’s vitally important to be aware of how much sugar they are consuming and the potential impact on their teeth. My advice is to limit extra sugar intake from sweets to no more than 20g a day which is roughly the equivalent of 5 sugar cubes.”
Here are Hannah’s Top 5 Tips to support children’s oral healthwhile still enjoying the treats this Halloween:
Did you know 77% of tooth decay starts between the teeth but a toothbrush alone cleans just 60%* of the tooth? To hit the other surface areas that the toothbrush can’t reach, the importance of adding interdental cleaning cannot be overstated. Oral hygiene products such as DenTek’s floss picks and interdental brushes are vital and can be introduced at an early age. In fact, dentists recommend children start interdental cleaning as soon as two teeth are touching using. As regular flossing products are sometimes difficult for children to use, it is recommended that they use interdental products designed specifically for children and under supervision.
Don’t be tricked by the treats and terrifying sugar levels this Halloween and enjoy the treats without the toothache.
