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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – CHICAGO, Oct. 25, 2016 — Whether your children are attending Halloween parties or trick or treating in the neighborhood, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the leading authority on children’s oral health, reminds parents and caregivers that it is important to pay attention to the types of treats children eat this Halloween.
Each year Americans spend nearly $9 billion on candy. In October, much of that candy ends up on the teeth of the 41 million trick-or-treating children ages 5 – 14 across the U.S.1
Dark chocolates and sugar-free gum are better for the teeth compared to gummies, caramel, sour candy or bubble gum because they are less likely to get stuck in the grooves and crevices of the teeth. If chocolate is the treat of choice, steer your kids towards dark chocolate which contains antioxidants that can stop bacteria from sticking to teeth, helping to fight gum infections and tooth decay.
“Rather than snacking on small sugary treats all through the day, it’s better to have a snack of these treats in a short period of time and then follow with plenty of water to dislodge any particles that can get stuck in the teeth,” offered AAPD President Dr. Jade Miller.
Additional Halloween tips from the AAPD include:
- Determine beforehand the number of treats your child can keep; exercise portion control
- Sell the rest to a local dentist candy buy-back program your community may offer
- Remember, non-food favorites like temporary tattoos, stickers and glow-sticks are great alternatives
For more Halloween tips, visit: www.mychildrensteeth.org
[1]http://factfinder2.census.
About the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is the recognized authority on children’s oral health. As advocates for children’s oral health, the AAPD promotes evidence-based policies and clinical guidelines; educates and informs policymakers, parents and guardians, and other health care professionals; fosters research; and provides continuing professional education for pediatric dentists and general dentists who treat children. Founded in 1947, the AAPD is a not-for-profit professional membership association representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Its 10,000 members provide primary care and comprehensive dental specialty treatments for infants, children, adolescents and individuals with special health care needs. For further information, visit the AAPD website at http://www.aapd.org or the AAPD’s consumer website at http://www.mychildrensteeth.
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