Halloween will soon be here, and you’re excited about the opportunity to let your inner child roam free as you treat yourself to the many sweet delights. However, your family dentist in Milburn says don’t forget about fortifying your oral health. To help you enjoy a fun but safe Halloween, the professional provides 10 tips that will aid in protecting your mouth, teeth and gums!
The Biggest Threat to Your Oral Health
The main reason that Halloween can contribute to dental health woes is the presence of sugar in the different treats you’ll eat. Sugar becomes very acidic as it starts to breakdown and attracts bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay as the caustic secretions begin to bore through the tooth enamel – the hard, outer layer. To limit such adverse effects, there are some precautionary steps you should take.
Tip #1 – Eat Candy at the Right Time
One way to lessen the effects of candy consumption is to eat it along with a normal meal. Your mouth produces more saliva when you eat, which helps to bathe your teeth and flush away the leftover debris.
Tip #2 – Limit Your Sweet Snacks
Another helpful tip is to set a snack schedule and stick to it. This is important to establish because the alternative, grazing all day on sweets, coats your teeth with sugar and can lead to advanced tooth decay.
Tip #3 – Choose the Right Candy
Believe it or not, all candy isn’t created equal. To encourage better oral health, choose candy made from dark chocolate for the following two reasons:
- Chocolate is less likely to stick to your teeth.
- Dark chocolate candies will typically contain less sugar.
Tip #4 – Donate Your Candy Surplus
A sure way to not over-indulge in sugary delights is to donate your remaining candy surplus to those who are less fortunate. This will help to put a smile on others’ faces and reduce the immediate temptation to consume more sweets.
Tip #5 – Drink More Water
Not only is water essential for hydrating your body, but it also helps to wash away the leftover particles from the sweets you consume. For extra fortification, you can choose a brand of water that is fluoridated.
Tip #6 – Maintain a Healthy Diet
Generally, eating a healthier diet contributes to better oral health. Thus, when you choose to indulge in some Halloween delights, you’ll be able to withstand the temporary influx of sugar.
Tip #7 – Avoid Sugary Drinks
It’s one thing to eat a few pieces of candy, but when you add a sweet beverage to the equation, the amount of sugar present in your mouth is elevated exponentially. A better alternative is water.
Tip #8 – Chew Gum
A creative way to aid in cavity prevention is to chew gum with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal after consuming any candy. This is another way to increase your saliva production and neutralize the acid produced by the sugary snacks.
Tip #9 – Brush Your Teeth
If possible, brush your teeth immediately after eating any sweets. This will help to eliminate any threats to your oral health before they can sink into your enamel.
Tip #10 – Visit Your Dentist
When you maintain preventive care visits to your dentist in Milburn, you are able to enjoy the utmost in protection of your mouth, teeth and gums. Held every six months, these appointments provide you with a thorough cleaning and the expert care of your local dental professionals to ensure that you remain as healthy as possible.
So to have a safer Halloween full of treats and no tricks, contact your dentist today!
About the Author
A recipient of the 2015 Patient’s Choice Award for Dentistry, Dr. Robert Shick takes pride in providing a friendly and attentive atmosphere where patients of all ages can receive the care they need. He provides comprehensive care at Dental Charm, and he can be reached for more information through his website.