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Halloween is just around the corner with its usual entourage of ghostly ornaments, playful costumes, and most of all, a mound of candy! Now, at Smithville Dental, we don’t say that you shouldn’t have Halloween fun-it’s something most people can’t resist doing – but you can definitely taste it all without losing your smile. How? Well, here’s the deal on your Halloween treats!.
Ranking Candy On Dental Health
Wisely choose your treats
Not all candies are created equal when it comes to dental health. While some sweets may be more detrimental than others, some are certainly worse than others. Sticky candies, like caramel or gummies, stick around longer in your teeth, so they can be more difficult to eliminate, increasing the chances that cavities will form. Instead, go for chocolate, which dissolves quickly and does less sticking around. If you can find or choose sugar-free treats or those with less sugar, that will help minimize the impact on your teeth.
Set Some Limits
It’s very easy to go overboard with candy on Halloween night. To avoid the post holiday sugar rush, set a limit on how much candy you and your family can enjoy in one sitting. Consider portioning treats out into small bags or containers. This helps manage your intake while also keeping things exciting over several days!
Continue to Follow Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Ignore all the Halloween tricks and treat yourself, for a moment, with a solid oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day and floss once a day, regardless of all those treats. If you ingest candy, wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. This way, the saliva will have broken down most of the acid produced by bacteria feeding off the sugar from those tasty candies. And don’t forget to schedule your routine dental check-ups with us to keep that smile healthy and shining!
You can also read: 5 Signs of Infection After Root Canal
Hydrate
One of the most important suggestions on how to treat sweets is hydration. Drinking water will help flush sugar and food particles from your mouth so you do not have time to ferment them into acid that creates decay. If you do treat yourself to candy, drink a glass of water afterwards. This is a fairly easy habit to develop, and it can make a big difference in your oral health this time of year.
Get Creative with Alternatives
You might consider bringing in some healthier treats to be enjoyed during your Halloween soiree. Some fresh fruits, such as apples or pears, are always a better substitute for candy and add some nutrient-goodness.
Alternatively, you might experiment with doing fun Halloween snacks, such as yogurt parfaits topped with spooky decorations; such alternatives can surely appease the sweet tooth without added sugar or potential harm to the teeth.
Teach about Moderation
This Halloween, put one’s hand on the opportunity to teach moderation. Explain how sugar is hard on their teeth and their overall health. When kids learn that they can have treats, but in moderation, it lays a healthy foundation for their eating as they get older.
Conclusion
Halloween does not have to spell disaster for your dental health. With a little planning and awareness, you can indulge in the holiday treats while keeping your smile in top shape. Here at Smithville Dental, we are here to support your oral health every step of the way. Have questions about managing your sweet tooth? Need to schedule your next appointment? Reach out to us right away.