October 6, 2022
It’s that time of year! Houses are decorated for the season and Halloween candy lines the shelves. While it’s A-OK for your family to enjoy all of the sweets, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your teeth.
Keep a Toothbrush Handy
Whenever you enjoy your favorite sweets, try to brush (and floss) your teeth afterward. This limits the time that sugar sits in your mouth and negatively impacts your teeth.
While this may not be the most convenient, keeping a toothbrush and toothpaste handy when on the go can help you be prepared when your sweet tooth strikes. You can purchase travel items for this purpose and keep them in a bag.
Avoid Certain Candies (or Limit Them)
Some candies are better for your teeth than others—who knew?
Candy that should be avoided, or greatly limited, include sticky candy, sour candy, and hard candy. Sticky candy, such as caramels and taffy, sticks to your teeth and can even damage braces. Hard candy that you suck on for a long period of time and sour candies can damage your tooth enamel.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated can help flush out some of the excess sugar in your mouth. Keep a water bottle on you at all times, and make sure your kids are taking sips while trick-or-treating.
Keep Up With Regular Teeth Cleanings
It’s no secret that regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining a healthy mouth.
By removing excess tartar and getting a good look in areas that you can’t see yourself, regular dental hygiene appointments help identify any issues that may arise and prevent problems from occurring in the first place.
Why Is Sugar Bad, Anyway?
Consuming sugar in moderation is OK! But because sugar reacts to the bacteria in your mouth, it creates an acidic environment that can eat away at enamel.
That’s why it’s important to be mindful of sugar consumption and clean your teeth afterward.
If you haven’t yet scheduled a routine checkup for yourself or your child, contact us today to do so!
Copyright © 2022 Cottonwood Dental
