Gooey candy apples. Sweet lollipops. Crisp chocolate bar. Everyone has their favorite Halloween treat! Taking part in the tasty festivities is so much fun, but it isn’t always good for our teeth. Fortunately, you can have your cake and eat it too (pun intended). Here are four tips from your dentist in Sunnyside for a healthier Halloween for you and your family.
Tip 1: Eat Candy With (Or Shortly After) A Meal
Did you know that saliva helps keep your teeth healthy? Saliva production increases when we begin eating. As a result, it is able to rinse away the bacteria that are formed when consuming sweetened foods. This process decreases the risk of the sugar settling into our pearly whites and causing cavities. Be mindful to eat your treats with or near a meal so your mouth can effectively clean all food particles at once.
You also don’t want sugar to linger in your mouth for too long because it increases the risk of tooth decay. This is another great reason to limit snacking on candy and stick with enjoying it in close timing with a meal.
Tip 2: Not All Treats are Created Equal
Regarding your teeth, certain types of candy affect your oral health more than others. Sticky, hard, and sour candies are tougher to chew and more likely to cling to your teeth, causing damage to the enamel. They also have a higher amount of acids than other varieties, which increases your risk of cavities and tooth decay.
If you are a chocolate lover, you will be glad to know it is one of the more teeth-friendly treats to enjoy during Halloween! It is easier to wash off and lower in acid. Darker varieties are great because they have smaller amounts of sugar.
Tip 3: Consider Setting a Limit
As your family prepares for the fun of trick-or-treating, consider setting a limit on the number of treats you and your family can have daily. This will help with the temptation to grab a handful whenever it is convenient. You may also plan to limit the number of houses that will be visited.
Another helpful idea is to have your little ones pick out their favorite candies and exchange the rest for a fun toy. You can donate the gathered loot to a local charity.
Tip 4: Stick to Your Oral Routine
Sticky candy isn’t the best for your smile but sticking to your healthy oral habits is great for it! Even though this time of year can have late nights, remember to keep your routine of brushing twice a day, regular flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Doing so will dramatically cut down on how much cavity-causing plaque accumulates on your teeth and will give you a healthier, brighter smile!
Don’t let sugary Halloween candy trick your teeth into poor oral health! With these helpful tips, you and your family can enjoy the season without fear of cavities.
About the Practice
Dr. Arthur Volker, Dr. Thomas Chung, and our team at DentCare Dental Center provide high-quality dentistry to the families of Sunnyside and surrounding areas. With a vast array of dentistry and the latest in dental technology, our top priority is your healthy smile throughout the year. We place a lot of emphasis on providing the best preventive care possible! To keep your teeth hauntingly healthy this Halloween, contact them through their website or by phone at (718) 557-9012.