It is a scary time of year for dentists – Halloween. With so much sugar and candy being left in our houses, schools, and places of work, the possibility of an increase in cavities is always looming. At Blooming Dental, we love educating patients on the importance of good dental health, but during this candy-loving holiday, it becomes even more important.
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy During Halloween
As with most tips in life, staying healthy comes down to moderation. Go out and have a great time on Halloween, just be sure not to overdo it. Here are a few tips that may help:
Choose Melty Over Hard Candy
In general, hard candies are really what dentists worry about on Halloween. Because they don’t melt away quickly, hard candy and the sugar that makes them linger in your mouth on your teeth. The longer this sugar has to eat away your enamel, the faster a cavity and tooth decay appear. Sticking with melty candy, like chocolate, is a good bet on Halloween. Chocolate washes down easily, melts within seconds, and still lets you enjoy your night out.
Don’t Skip Brushing
Halloween night can be exhausting, but it is essential to brush your teeth no matter how tired you – or your kids – are. After eating candy, be sure to spend time brushing for at least two minutes, floss, and then follow with a good restorative mouthwash.
Don’t Keep It All
Even for the biggest candy lovers, no one needs a bucket full of candy laying around. Not only does this affect your dental health over time, but added sugar to your diet can cause a host of other health issues – like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, and weight gain. After Halloween, donate the rest of your candy to an organization or a local dentist’s office. This one will send candy overseas to our Troops!
Schedule Your Dental Visit in Cedar Park, Texas
Of course, the best way to keep your teeth in tip-top dental health is to maintain your regular dental visits. At these appointments, our dental hygienist will thoroughly remove the tartar and plaque that may have been difficult to remove with a toothbrush. They will also take updated x-rays and our dentist will examine your teeth, mouth, throat, and neck for any signs of cavities, gum disease, jaw issues, and oral cancer. Schedule your appointment today!