Optimal Oral Health During the Halloween

With all of the candy and treats being handed out on Halloween, it can be easy for kids and adults alike to consume too much sugar. This can cause numerous oral health problems, from cavities to plaque buildup. However, it's never too late to start taking better care of your teeth by brushing after meals and flossing daily. Your dentist has many more tips for keeping your smile healthy while you indulge this Halloween! 

Tip for Kids

The candy that children receive on Halloween can be harmful to their teeth if they are allowed to eat too much, particularly sticky treats like gummy candies and caramels. However, if your children are allowed to enjoy these sweet snacks in moderation, they are actually good for your oral health because the act of chewing increases saliva production, which washes away food particles and prevents cavities. You should also encourage your children to drink water after eating to help rinse their mouths of any lingering sugar or acid from food and drinks.

Eat Healthy

Since the amount of trick-or-treating is out of your control, it is best to focus on the foods that are prepared for your family's dinner on Halloween night. Avoid sugary drinks (like sodas) and starchy foods that can cause cavities because the more you expose your teeth to these substances, the more likely you are to get cavities. Instead, choose foods like apples and carrots that provide a great deal of nutrition while also being lower in sugar than many other common foods. This not only helps protect your mouth from tooth decay but also helps prevent overeating which can cause obesity and complications with your health overall.

Avoid Hard Candy

Avoid hard candies, lollipops, caramels, and sour candy. These treats can crack or chip your teeth if you bite into them. A broken tooth is not only painful but also leaves your enamel at risk of decay. Stick with chocolate that has a soft consistency—it won't stick to your teeth the way other sugary treats do.

If you do indulge in these sugar-rich treats, try to brush them off soon after you eat. This will help remove food particles from your mouth and prevent bacteria from building up.

Choose Dark Chocolate

If you're a child, make sure to brush after eating candy or chocolate. This is because cocoa is very high in sugar and can cause cavities. On the other hand, dark chocolate is safer for your teeth because it is lower in sugar.

Contact Everyone's Family Dental to receive the best dental treatments in Schofield, WI, by calling (715) 803-2535 or visiting us at 2809 Schofield Avenue Suite B, Schofield, WI 54476.