The Windsor Essex County Health Unit wants parents to take two minutes to have a "tooth talk" with kids.
Kids will have a healthy — or unhealthy — supply of sugar filled treats following Halloween, and Health Promotion Specialist Shannon Janisse says it's is a great time to remind kids to take care of their pearly whites.
"Halloween is a great time to remind kids to brush their teeth for two-minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, to floss, and have regular checkups with the dentist so that their kids are reminded of the importance of oral health," she says.
Speaking with AM800's Patty Handysides on the Afternoon News, Janisse says parents should sit down and inventory their kids haul from the night.
They can check to make sure the candy is safe, but they can also remove the items that can do the most damage to their teeth.
"They can choose sugar-free candy, chewing gum, chocolates, and powdery candy over the stick candy that clings to teeth and increases the chance of tooth decay," says Janisse.
Regulating when candy can be eaten is also a good way to help kids enjoy sugary treats while inflicting minimal damage to their teeth, she added.
"Set a limit to the number of treats kids will eat every day. They can make a rule that candy is to be eaten with meals as opposed to as a snack," she says. "High levels of saliva at meal times help wash away the sugars."
No matter when it's consumed, she says kids should brush immediately afterwards.
Janisse says parents can also lessen the duration of their kids candy stash by encouraging them to trade their sweets for healthy alternatives or fun activities.
- With files from Patty Handysides