Stop Zombie Mouth
Toothaches, cavities, rotten gums, even deadly disease are all conditions sometimes referred to as Zombie Mouth.
As we near Halloween, it becomes SPOOKINGLY clear that many of our little ghouls and goblins are at greater risk for Zombie Mouth!
The average American consumes 24 lbs. of candy each year. For children, the majority of that comes on Halloween or just after. In addition, over 90% of adults readily admit to dipping into their child’s loot! With over 93% of children trick-or-treating, that is a lot of extra treats!
So how does candy measure up? The majority of children like chocolate (68%), followed by lollipops (9%) and gummy candies (7%).
This Halloween, and every day, you can do your part to help prevent Zombie Mouth!
Time it Right Eat Halloween candy (and other sugary foods) with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles.
Stay Away from Sweet Snacks Snacking can increase your risk of cavities, and it’s double the trouble if you keep grabbing sugary treats from the candy bowl.
Choose Candy Carefully Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time. Aside from how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay.
Avoid Sticky Situations Sticky candies cling to your teeth. The stickier the candy, like taffy and gummy bears, the longer it takes to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Have a Plan It’s tempting to keep that candy around, but your teeth will thank you if you limit your stash. Have your family pick their favorites and donate the rest.
Drink More Water Drinking fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay.
Other ways you can protect yourself from Zombie Mouth are:
- Stay away from sugary beverages.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Wear a mouth guard while playing sports.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
- Don’t pierce your lips or other parts of your mouth.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and exams.
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-tips
Leave a reply →
