The temperature has dropped, spooky décor is up, and there are pumpkins everywhere – it must be Halloween! While this “spooktacular” holiday may look a little different this year, the large quantities of candy certainly haven’t. In fact, the average American consumes over three pounds during this season. While the sugar is delicious on your taste buds, it can wreak havoc on your oral health. Fortunately, you can use the below Halloween candy tips to keep your teeth and gums in pristine condition well into the New Year.
#1. Choose Your Candy Carefully
From sweet and sour treats to deliciously sweet milk chocolate, a variety of candies can sneak their way into your home this time of year. However, some pose a greater risk to your oral health. Perhaps the worst offender is hard candies, which can crack your tooth with one wrong bite or consistently expose your enamel to sugar until it dissolves. Mouth-puckering sour candies are another culprit of tooth decay since their high-sugar content and acidic nature are a powerful enamel-eroding combo. Therefore, it’s best to indulge in milk or dark chocolate!
#2. Time It Right
When it comes to candy consumption, timing is key. Since your saliva production increases during mealtime, it is best to eat a piece or two with or shortly after your meal. Otherwise, snacking on it throughout the day will allow the sugar to cling to your teeth and leave you vulnerable to tooth decay.
#3. Create a Plan (and Stick to It!)
Whether you load up on candy for trick-or-treaters or your little one comes home with a bag of their own, keeping all the leftover candy for yourself is a recipe for cavities. To protect your teeth and gums, create a plan to keep a few and donate the rest. If your child is resistant to the idea of giving away their hard-earned candy, try “purchasing” it from them in exchange for a toy or outing!
#4. Drink More Water
During the most candy-filled holiday, the last thing you want to do is add sugary beverages like soda, lemonade, and sports drinks to your diet. This will only expedite the tooth decay process. Instead, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and rinse away stubborn food particles.
#5. Visit the Dentist
Prioritizing your oral hygiene this time of year is crucial, and that includes your routine visits to the dentist. Not only can they provide your teeth with a deep clean, but they can catch small issues before they become large dental concerns. So, if you haven’t already, make sure to schedule your routine appointment for some post-Halloween TLC.
Every Halloween, cases of tooth decay and cavities spike. Fortunately, you can keep your oral health in pristine condition by following the above tips!
About the Practice
Cambria Smiles is where family-friendly care, high-quality dentistry, and world-class service intersect. At each appointment, Dr. Ramandeep Badhan, Dr. Andrew Van Sicklen, and Dr. Frank Fratto use their extensive clinical experience and genuine passion for dentistry to help patients of all ages keep their teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Whether you are overdue for your bi-yearly appointment or your teeth simply need some TLC, visit their website or give them a call at 805-927-4811.