Ghosts, Goblins, and cavities, oh my. There are plenty of things to fear this spooky season but toothaches and cavities shouldn’t be one of them. Though there is an increased risk of oral issues during this time with proper care and applying some of the tips we have listed below you can partake in the fun without neglecting your oral health.
Why Is Candy Bad For Your Teeth
After trick-or-treating is done you will likely have a bag of candy medleys hanging around the house. Though it may be tempting to have a sugar marathon within 24 hours some scary consequences that come with excessively eating too many sweets. When sugar is eaten it interacts with spine-chilling bacteria found in plaque to create acid. This acid will begin slowly dissolving the enamel of your teeth causing tooth decay.
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy
You may think all Dentists are anti-Halloween because of the havoc excessive candy can reek on your teeth but that is not necessarily true. We believe that there are ways to safely enjoy treats without compromising your beautiful smile. These tips can be used for the kiddos but since we know parents reap the benefits of trick-or-treating also these tips are safe for the whole family.
Encourage eating candy in moderation and with meals. Instead of eating full-size candy bars encourage kids to eat smaller fun-size candies after meals. When sugar is consumed with a meal there is an increase in saliva production that assists with cleansing the mouth and neutralizing acid production.
Not all drinks and candies are created equal. Avoid sugary beverages and increase water intake to assist with rinsing and restoring pH balance in the mouth. Hard, sticky, and chewy candies increase the amount of time sugar is sitting on teeth. Instead of these options offer small chocolate options, especially dark chocolate. Chocolate is consumed quicker and rinses off easier than candy that requires 15 minutes to eat.
Keep your routine consistent during this Halloween season. Your first line of defense against sneaky sugar treats hiding in your teeth is continuing to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Make brushing teeth something to look forward to by buying a new character-themed toothbrush set. You can also take advantage of Halloween candy buyback programs to shorten the amount of time you keep the tempting sweets in the house. A lot of programs offer dental kits, toys, and monetary compensation for participants.
We’ll Take Care of the Whole Family
We offer quality dental care for the Colorado Springs region for adults and children. The holidays are approaching which means lots of traveling, laughs, and eating. Book an appointment today and make your smile a priority before your schedule gets too busy. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.