• Halloween Doesn’t Have to Be Scary For Your Teeth

    Halloween Doesn’t Have to Be Scary For Your Teeth

    Halloween is right around the corner and it is traditionally one of the most candy-filled holidays of the year.  While children old and young are excited for all of the sugar, it’s important to keep those “BOO-tiful” smiles shining bright.

    Here are a few simple tips to ensure Halloween isn’t too scary for your teeth.

    Boogie Time

    Eat candy with meals or shortly after meal time and try not to snack on it all day.  Saliva production increases during meals.  This helps rinse away food particles and sugar as well as cancel out some of the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities.  Aside from how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay.  Eating just after a meal instead of snacking throughout the day limits the amount of time sugar has contact with your teeth.

    Trick-or-Treat Yourself

    Not all candy is created equal.  Avoid hard candy and sticky sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time.  These are some of the worst candies for your teeth.  The stickier the candy (such as in taffy, gummy bears and caramel), the longer it takes to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

    Biting into hard candies can break or crack a tooth if you are not careful.

    Sour candies are also bad for your teeth because they are very acidic.  The acid can weaken or damage the enamel on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to cavities.

    Chocolate and sugarless gum are the best candy options for your teeth.  Chocolate washes off your teeth easier than other types of candy and dark chocolate is even better because it has less sugar.  Chewing sugarless gum increases saliva flow which helps wash away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria.

    Drink Up Goblins and Ghosts

    Drinking water is good for your body and your teeth. Water helps prevent cavities by washing away the sugar clinging to your teeth.  It’s always a smart idea to stay away from sugary beverages.  This includes soda, sports drinks and flavored water.  When teeth come in frequent contact with beverages that contain sugar, the risk of tooth decay is increased.

    Sugar Monsters Beware

    Halloween night can be very busy and exciting but whatever you do, don’t forget to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes before you go to bed.  This will help keep those
    Sugar Monsters” away!

    We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween.

    Mouth Healthy

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