Trick Or Treat: How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Halloween
It may feel like we’ve been celebrating Halloween for months because the decorations have been in stores since summer, but it’s finally October, and the holiday will be here in just a few weeks. We love hearing stories from our patients about their costume ideas and party plans. While Halloween is all about dressing up and having a great time, it’s also a time for candy and sweet treats. Eating too much candy can wreak havoc on your oral health if you’re not careful. We want to share some helpful tips to ensure optimal oral health for you and your family this Halloween.
Tips to Keep Teeth Healthy During Halloween
If you have a sweet tooth, it can be easy to overindulge during the Halloween season. We encourage our patients to make smart choices when it comes to candy and sweet treats this time of year. It can be surprising how quickly your teeth can be negatively impacted by too much sugar. Here are some tips we recommend:
- Limit or avoid chewy candy like taffy, caramel, and fruit snacks
- Choose chocolate options that melt in your mouth
- Donate leftover candy
- Drink water
- Brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating sugary treats
The Problem with Sugar
You’ve likely heard that sugar is harmful to teeth, but do you know why? Each time you eat, new bacteria are introduced into your mouth. Along with bacteria, certain foods cling to the teeth after eating. Sugar and sticky candies are often the worst offenders. Lingering bacteria eventually turn into acid that eats away at the enamel–the protective outer layer of your teeth–leading to problems like tooth decay.
If you don’t currently have an appointment scheduled with us, we encourage you to book your next oral hygiene examination appointment. If it’s been longer than six months since your last visit, we recommend coming in sooner rather than later to ensure everything is on track with your oral health. Contact our office in Wellington, FL to schedule your appointment. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
