If you’ve ever gone trick-or-treating before, you know just how integral candy is to Halloween. However, even as an adult, you find that you still enjoy getting to eat sweet treats when the weather cools down. As you get ready for trick-or-treaters to come to your house, you stock up on candy and snitch a few for yourself, even though you know that these sugary confections aren’t good for your teeth. Because staying away from candy completely isn’t very practical for most people, here are five Halloween candy tips that can keep your smile healthy throughout this holiday season.
Enjoy Just a Little
Did you know that the sugar in candy doesn’t directly lead to cavities? The bacteria that cause cavities and other oral problems feed on the sugars and produce harmful acids, which is partially why it’s important to limit how much you eat sugary foods and drinks in general. It can be difficult to limit your candy consumption this time of year, but restricting yourself to just a couple of pieces can stop bacterial growth in your mouth from getting out of control.
Although you may want to partake of your sweet treat as a separate snack in between meals, it’s actually a better idea to eat sugary foods with your meal. Your mouth produces more saliva during these times of the day and can therefore flush out more food particles and sugars, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Be Picky with Your Choice of Candy
When it comes to your teeth, not all candy has the same effect. Certain kinds of candy can increase the odds of cavities. For example, hard, sticky, or chewy candy tend to stay in your mouth or attached to your teeth longer, encouraging bacterial growth. Try to avoid these kinds of candy—and choose to eat only your favorites and discard or donate the rest—to better protect your teeth.
Drink More Water
In addition to increased candy consumption, this is often a time of year when people tend to have drinks other than water in their celebrations. An occasional sugary drink here and there won’t make or break your smile’s health, but try to keep these drinks to a minimum. Instead, reach for fluoridated water to help your teeth. In addition to strengthening the enamel, frequent sips of water throughout the day can rinse out any lingering bacteria or food debris.
Brush and Floss Every Day
Make sure that you maintain healthy oral habits throughout this holiday season. You should most definitely brush your teeth at least twice and floss your teeth at least once every day. These may seem like small, insignificant tasks, but they remove food particles and plaque from accumulating on your teeth and near your gum line. As a result, bacteria don’t have a chance to cause damage to your smile through cavities, gum disease, or other oral problems.
Visit Your Dentist
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your dentist for a checkup and cleaning, now is a great time to catch up with this necessary appointment! During this visit, they can make sure that you don’t already have an oral problem and provide dental treatment if you do. Also, you can receive a professional cleaning, where hardened plaque is gently removed and cleared away, preventing problems in the future.
This Halloween, as you have fun being silly or scaring others, remember to take care of your teeth and gums. Following these tips can make sure that your smile stays safe from infection and decay, allowing you to truly enjoy this special time of year.
About the Practice
Brookside Dental Care has two dentists on staff who are dedicated to patient comfort, whether you need a complex smile makeover or a simple, routine checkup. Dr. Bryan Griffith has over 25 years of experience and is one of few dentists in Kentucky who are permitted to use oral conscious sedation for anxious patients. Dr. Jay Alex Hartgrove recently joined the practice and is excited to provide the same high-quality dental treatment that patients have come to expect from Brookside Dental Care. To schedule an appointment, click here.