Boo! Haunted houses aren’t the only thing scary about Halloween. With the increase in sugary snacks, candies, and sweets, your teeth are at higher risk of spooky tooth decay and cavities. Thankfully, your dentist has provided a list of useful Halloween candy tips along with other helpful hints to ensure happy and healthy smiles. Keep reading to learn some of the best ways to fight the cavity monsters!
Choose Your Candy Wisely
Did you know that some sweets are better for you than others? Be sure to watch out for especially hard or sticky candies because they tend to stay in contact with your teeth for longer periods of time. Additionally, acidic candies can eat away at your tooth enamel faster than other products, which is why you should avoid any sour gummy sweets.
The key is to choose candy that will wash away from your mouth with ease. Water and saliva play an important roll in naturally removing plaque and bacteria from lingering snacks. So, instead of the hard or sticky candies, choose chocolate! Its creamy consistency makes it much easier to wash away than other common sweets like caramel, toffee, and taffy.
Avoid Sugary Beverages
You’re already getting enough sugar from this season’s treats, right? No need to coat your teeth with sugary liquid in additional to your normal candy. Instead, reach for water, a drink that can naturally wash away sugars, bacteria, and acid that can cause cavities. Also, most tap water contains fluoride, which is a natural cavity fighting mineral that will help protect your smile.
Maintain a Healthy Routine
It can be hard to stay on top of your oral health routine and responsibilities during the holiday, however it’s more important than ever to care for your smile. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay. For an extra layer of cleaning, you can add a nonalcoholic mouthwash to your routine.
See Your Dentist
Lastly, it’s important to see your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning. This can be done before Halloween, but it’s also a good idea to see your dentist right after. You can schedule appointments for your kids to ensure that they got through the holiday without any cavities. Plus, your dental hygienist will be able to clean away hard-to-reach areas that may be harboring bits of leftover candy.
Now that you know these pro tips, are you ready for a happy and healthy Halloween for the whole family? Keep these steps in mind to indulge in the right sweets and maintain good oral health.
About the Practice
At NeoSmile Dental Care, Dr. Farell and Dr. Patel are a team of dentists who treat patients of all ages. They enjoy building long lasting relationships with their patients and passing along helpful tips like oral healthcare for holidays. If you have any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (215) 643-5220.
