Halloween is just around the corner, which means fun costumes, scary decorations and, of course, plenty of candy. While sugar-filled candy is always a staple of Halloween, there are ways to avoid painful cavities and other dental problems resulting from too much candy. Let us help protect your children’s teeth this Halloween with the following tips:
Stay away from long-lasting Halloween candy
Candy that takes time to consume, increases the risk for tooth decay. Examples of long-lasting candies include lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, candy canes and jawbreakers. Some of these candies can take 5-10 minutes to consume, which is why it’s best to avoid eating too many of them.
Don’t keep all the Halloween candy
Children often collect a lot of candy on Halloween. Although we all indulge, it’s best not to keep bags or buckets of candy in plain sight because it is simply too tempting for parents and kids alike! The good news is, you don’t have to throw away the treats. Let your children select the candy they want the most, and then consider donating the rest. There are many charities that take candy donations.
Stay hydrated
When it comes to maintaining good health, it’s important to drink plenty of water. The same is true when it comes to your dental health. Just be sure to drink water with fluoride as fluoridated water can help strengthen your teeth. This also means avoiding sugary drinks like sodas and juices. Diet soda isn’t a great option either. Although diet soda doesn’t contain sugar, it does contain acidic ingredients that can cause enamel erosion.
Avoid stickier candies
Sticky candy is often much worse for your teeth than non-sticky candy. This is because sticky candy typically gets stuck on and between your teeth. Your saliva isn’t strong enough to carry away what’s stuck between your teeth, so the candy remains attached until you floss.
Stick with a good brushing schedule
Halloween is no excuse to skimp on your daily brushing routine. In fact, it’s especially important to brush your teeth properly after eating sugary candy. Experts recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for about two minutes. Be sure to use a top-quality toothpaste and toothbrush when brushing. Also, remember to replace your toothbrush at least once every four months.
Be sure to floss
Flossing should be a part of your daily oral care routine. Flossing helps to prevent a host of dental issues including; plaque build-up, cavities and gum disease. Brushing alone will not remove plaque between your teeth. Over time, this plaque buildup becomes tartar. Tarter can only be effectively removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Proper dental instruments and technique are a must.
Schedule your dentist visit
If you or your children indulged on some sweet treats this Halloween, be sure to schedule a cleaning and checkup at Fioritto Dental. Our dental team work hard to make sure people of all ages are comfortable during their visit.