Dentists Issue Warnings Over Halloween Dental Disasters
Dentists have issued a warning over the possibility of Halloween dental disasters, as thousands of children up and down the country prepare to go trick or treating.
Traditionally, children are treated to sweets and chocolate bars when they knock on the door dressed up as popular Halloween characters, but dentists are encouraging people to be more imaginative this year. Instead of sweet treats, dentists are urging parents and generous neighbours to stock up on small gifts like balloons or stickers in a bid to curb dental problems among children.
Figures confirm that dental health issues are the most common cause of childhood admissions, with thousands of extraction procedures carried out in UK hospitals each year. Sugar consumption is one of the main causes of decay among young children, with many eating and drinking foods like bags of sweets and fizzy drinks on a daily basis.
With planning for Halloween parties in full swing, the Royal College of Surgeons has issued some tips to help parents and children enjoy the festivities without putting their dental health at risk. The dean of the faculty of dental surgery, Prof Nigel Hunt, explained that nobody is trying to be a killjoy, but people must be aware of the implications of consuming large amounts of sugar. He described the state of children’s health as a “national scandal” and stressed the importance of encouraging parents to make healthy choices for their children all year-round.
Prof Hunt’s tips include offering small toys instead of edible Halloween treats, providing children with water rather than fizzy drinks, and trying to ensure that children only eat sweet foods at mealtimes. He also highlighted the importance of twice-daily teeth cleaning.
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