Dentists urge parents to delay brushing after sour Halloween sweets

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 08:57 · Archive

Parents should wait around an hour after children eat acidic Halloween sweets before brushing their teeth, to avoid enamel damage.

The Mirror reports that a dental expert is warning parents against brushing children's teeth immediately after eating acidic Halloween sweets. According to Dr Jyothi Chintamani from Dental Arch, sour sweets contain acids that temporarily soften tooth enamel, leaving it vulnerable to damage from brushing. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but repeated acid exposure can gradually wear it away, and once lost, it cannot naturally grow back.

Dr Chintamani explained: "Brushing children's teeth after they've been eating sweets is a sensible instinct, but doing it immediately after particularly acidic treats can actually cause problems." Parents should allow around an hour between children consuming acidic treats and brushing their teeth, particularly before bed. The warning comes as the 2024 Oral Health Survey of five-year-olds in England found that 22.4% of children had experienced dentinal decay.

How it is being reported

• Halloween candy favorites could leave adults with cracked teeth and far worse, says dentistDr. Marc Lazare tells Fox News Digital which Halloween candy poses the biggest risks to dental crowns, fillings and enamel — and shares his top treat pick.Fox News · 30 Oct, 10:00
• Dentist says parents are making 1 mistake on Halloween that ruins kids' teethA dental expert is urging parents to wait around an hour before brushing their children's teeth after eating Halloween sour sweets, warning that brushing too soon after acidic treats could contribute to enamel wear and harm children's dental health.The Mirror · 30 Oct, 08:17

In this story: Dr Jyothi Chintamani · Dental Arch · England

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