Halloween is a fun holiday that is enjoyed by children and adults alike. Unfortunately, it can also lead to cavities in children and adults alike. These tips can help you, and your loved ones enjoy Halloween without causing any damage to your teeth.
Maintaining Oral Health
The holidays are a time to enjoy plenty of delicious treats. While candy is a staple of the season, it also poses a threat to your oral health. This is because sugar provides the fuel for harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. These bacteria find all their favorite foods inside of candy – from simple sugars to complex proteins and starches. When these bacteria eat those food types, they can break down tooth enamel and cause infection in your gums. Help your teeth stay strong and healthy by avoiding or limiting the amount of candy you eat during this season. If you do choose to eat some candy, make sure you brush and floss soon after to help minimize the amount of damage that it can cause to your teeth and gums.
By brushing after enjoying sweet treats, you can help clear away any lingering remnants while removing plaque that has already formed on your teeth. Regular flossing will also prevent the buildup of food and bacteria between teeth that could cause tooth decay and gum disease. With regular dental care, you will be able to maintain a healthy smile even during this time of year.
In addition to brushing and flossing more often, you should also visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can monitor the health of your smile during visits and spot issues that may arise more quickly.
Avoid Sticky Candies
Your child may be tempted to eat a lot of sticky candy during Halloween, but doing so can wreak havoc on their teeth. Cut the sugar rush by only giving your child one or two pieces of hard candy instead of allowing them to consume as much as they want. Additionally, make sure that they brush and floss their teeth thoroughly after eating any sugary sweets to prevent them from causing cavities. Give your child a healthy treat for Halloween, so they feel like they’re part of the fun without ruining their oral health in the process. Give them a small amount of candy or chewing gum that has Xylitol in it to keep their mouths clean and healthy. An even better option is sugar-free gum or other treats that aren’t harmful to the teeth.
Avoid Hard Candies
Hard candies are not good for your teeth for several reasons. First, they are extremely sticky and get stuck in your teeth for long periods of time. This can increase your risk of tooth decay by causing bacteria to build up between your teeth or on your teeth. In addition, hard candy is more likely to break your fillings or crowns. Therefore, it is best to avoid these types of treats altogether. If you must indulge, make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after consuming it. You can also rinse your mouth with water to help prevent the sugar from sticking to your teeth.
To find out more about the dental services we offer at Elite Dental, West St. Paul, MN, call (952) 432-1716 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 7300 147th St., W., Suite 108, West St. Paul, MN.
