March 18, 2024

Jasper County Health Department to give away teeth cleaning products at Downtown Trick or Treat event

Jasper Co. Health Dept. will be giving away free toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste at the Downtown Trick or Treat on from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Newton Downtown Square. Also check out its Snapchat filter during the event.

Here are some tips to steps to prevent tooth decay.

1. Offer healthy alternatives to candy. Eating sweets causes damaging acids to form in the mouth. These acids continue to affect the teeth for at least 20 minutes before they are neutralized. Sugar-free gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol is effective in combating the bacteria in plaque and fighting the acid that eats away at enamel. The chewing motion also stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps cleanse the teeth. That makes sugar-free gum a smart choice to drop into Halloween bags.

2. Limit the amount of time that sugar is in contact with your child’s teeth. When buying candy for Halloween, look for treats that can be eaten quickly, like miniature candy bars. When you get home from trick-or-treating, discard hard or sticky candies like sugared fruit snacks, caramels or lollipops, as they increase the period of time in which teeth are exposed to sugar. Encourage your child to eat a small amount of candy in one sitting followed by a glass of water and thorough tooth brushing. It is not a good idea to allow your child to graze on candy as this will increase the amount of time sugar comes in contact with teeth.

3. Take time during Halloween to brush up on your child’s oral health habits. What better time than Halloween to treat your kids to a little reminder about the importance of healthy teeth and gums? Just a quick reminder of the importance of brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing and visiting the dentist is all that’s needed to help your child understand the importance of oral health. Treat your child to a special, new toothbrush and some flavored floss to reinforce the habit of proper dental care.

The health department is also hosting a coloring contest with the theme "Blush — Floss — Smile." Tag them in your picture on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win. To download a coloring page, check out its website: www.co.jasper.ia.us/index.aspx?page=552