Halloween Tricks for Healthy Teeth
Halloween is the ultimate time to indulge your sweet tooth, with seemingly endless chocolate and candies everywhere you turn. But, as we all know, a sugar overload can be damaging to your teeth. Luckily, you can take steps to minimize the impact of Halloween candy on your dental health. Indulge responsibly this year so your pearly whites don’t turn into rotting zombie teeth!
Eat candy after meals.
Avoid snacking aimlessly and only eat candy after lunch or dinner. Why? Saliva production increases while eating meals, which helps to block acid buildup and remove food particles. You can take advantage of the saliva production already happening at mealtime by eating your Halloween candy then too.
Drink more water.
Water that contains fluoride prevents tooth decay and cavities, both of which are key concerns during the Halloween season. Drinking water will also keep your body full and hydrated, and you’ll be less likely to reach for other sugary beverages like juice or soda.
Brush and floss after eating candy.
Try to brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible once you’ve had your Halloween treat. You’ll quickly remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Pro dental tip: it’s easier to remember to brush and floss immediately if you only eat candy after meals.
Practice candy moderation.
Limit the amount candy you eat a day to prevent damage to your teeth. Come up with a family rule for the allowed amount of candy to help space out treats. More likely than not, kids (and adults) will slow down their consumption over time. You may be able to freeze the candy for another time or simply discard of it.
Donate your candy.
Many organizations collect candy to be sent to members of the military stationed around the world. Find a local group that accepts candy and get your family’s buy-in to donate a certain amount. Remember it’s not all or nothing, you can choose to donate only part of your candy. You’ll bring joy to our troops and protect your teeth at the same time.
Vacendak Dentistry wishes everyone a happy and safe Halloween! Remember to take care of your teeth during this spooky season, and don’t forget to schedule your twice-a-year teeth cleaning. Schedule an appointment online today or call us at 757-609-3510.
