Halloween is almost here! You are just putting the finishing touches on your costume and preparing by buying a large quantity of sweets that will only become bigger in the coming days. As fun as a holiday as this is, especially for kids, it doesn’t usually have the best effect on teeth. Fortunately, being worried about your family’s smiles doesn’t mean that you can’t have any fun this year. Your dentist shares some tips to help you and your kids enjoy the spooky season without needing fillings afterwards.
Choose Your Candy Carefully
Having an occasional sweet treat is delicious, but some of them are worse than others when it comes to your oral health. That’s why it is best to be careful about the types of candy that you and your kids are eating. It is best to avoid stickier sweets because they adhere to the teeth. Sticking to chocolate is a better idea because it easily washes away afterwards.
Have a Plan
A candy bar or two isn’t all that harmful, but when there are big buckets of sugary treats sitting around, it is hard to limit yourself. Have everyone in your family choose some of their favorites. It’s up to you to decide what to do with the rest. You could either donate it or store it someplace else for a later date.
Time Your Candy Consumption Right
The best time for you and your kids to eat sweets would be during or shortly after a meal. This is because your saliva consumption is increased, which will wash away food particles that can cause tooth decay over time.
Stay Hydrated
You need water for nearly every system in your body to function properly. Your smile is no exception. By staying hydrated, you can prevent dry mouth, which provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Fluoride in tap water is a leading way to prevent tooth decay. If you are choosing bottled water, look for one that contains fluoride.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
This is always important, but especially when there is a little more sugar in your diet. Remember to brush twice and floss every day using an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the best option. If it has been over six months, now would be a good time to go in for a cleaning and checkup with your dentist.
Chew Gum
A great alternative to sugary candy is a piece of sugar-free gum. It tastes delicious and even has some benefits for your teeth since it increases saliva production in the mouth. Try having a piece for about 20 minutes after meals to reduce tooth decay.
This Halloween, be mindful of your choices. By following these tips, you and your family can maintain happy, healthy smiles.
About the Author
Dr. Karl Arakelian is a well experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly three decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and has attended over a thousand hours of continuing education. Dr. Arakelian is currently a member of the Massachusetts Dental Association. For more information on maintaining good oral health or to schedule an appointment at his office in Bradford, MA, visit his website or call (978) 373-0901.
