Want To Enjoy Halloween Candy? How To Help Prevent Decay

18 September 2018
Categories: Dentist, Blog

The fall season is right around the corner, and with that comes the Halloween season. This means a lot of colorful candy and sweet treats. Unfortunately, this also means an increase in the likelihood of tooth decay. You can still keep the fun in Halloween without fear of decay. Here are some things you can do.

Keep Your Teeth Clean and Healthy

It goes without saying that you should practice good oral hygiene, particularly at this festive time of year. Once you eat any candy, you should brush your teeth about an hour afterward. You should also floss to remove any sticky particles left on the teeth. Any sugar left between the teeth can start very small cavities which can grow quickly if they are not dealt with.

Do Not Have Sticky Candy

One of the worst types of candy when it comes to tooth decay is gummy or sticky candy. This candy can easily get stuck in the grooves of the teeth, causing decay if you do not remove it. Another issue is because the candy is sticky, it wants to stick to the surface of the teeth and can be more difficult to remove. The longer the candy is on the teeth, the more chance you have for decay.

Only Eat Candy After a Meal

If you want to enjoy candy during the Halloween season, keep it to once a day and right after a main meal. Because you have already eaten a meal, you will have a good flow of saliva in the mouth. When you eat the candy, the excess saliva will help wash away any excess sugars left behind from the candy. You will still need to brush, but this is a great way to help prevent cavities.

Have a Glass of Water After Candy

Once you have finished your candy, be sure to drink a full glass of water, particularly if you cannot brush your teeth right away. A glass of water will help wash away the sugar left behind by the candy, along with any sticky residue. The minerals found in tap water are also healthy for teeth, which is a bonus.

Good oral hygiene this time of year is vitally important because of all the fun treats available. As long as you do not overindulge and keep your teeth brushed, you will avoid any extra cavities. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for cleanings to prevent any tooth decay.

About Me

When I was a child and teenager, I always left the dentist's office with the great feeling of having no cavities. When I went away to college out-of-state, I had to switch to a new dentist in my area. It seemed like I was suddenly getting cavities and started wonder what my new dentist "was doing wrong". When I spoke to my mother about it, she reminded me that the reason I never had cavities when I was living it home was because she always made sure my siblings and I brushed and flossed daily and didn't eat too much sugar. I then realized that my late-night study sessions drinking sugary soda and my suddenly bad brushing habits were the true causes of my cavities. I have since learned a lot more about dental health I am eager to share with anyone who needs the advice!