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Don't Let Halloween Spook Your Oral Health!
Did you know that Halloween is one of the biggest holidays for candy consumption? According to Confectionery Production, Americans are expected to spend $10 billion on Halloween candy, costumes, and decorations this year alone!
Halloween is a fun time of year for children and adults alike. There are costumes, trick-or-treating, and of course, candy! While indulging in your favorite sweet treats is undoubtedly the best part of Halloween, it's essential to be extra mindful of your oral health during this sugary holiday. Four Rivers Periodontics and Implant Specialists is here to be a helping hand to ensure your teeth stay healthy and happy all season long. Follow along!
1. Select "fun-size" candy over full-size candy.
When selecting your Halloween treats for the season, whether from the store or home during trick-or-treating, it is crucial to consider the candy's size. Choose fun-size or mini versions of your favorites instead of the regular size. Not only will you be saving some calories, but you will also be limiting your sugar intake. And we all know that less sugar is good for our teeth!
2. Limit your candy consumption to one to two pieces a day.
Even if you are choosing fun-size candy, it is important to limit how much you consume. Try to have only one to two pieces of candy daily, and brush your teeth well afterward. After eating candy, wait 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth. This gives your saliva a chance to neutralize the acids that attack your tooth enamel.
3. Avoid chewy and sour candy.
When choosing your candy for the season, avoid chewy and sour candy. Chewy candy can get stuck between your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities. The acidity of sour candy can also wear away your tooth enamel. If you indulge in these kinds of candy, brush your teeth for 30-60 minutes afterward.
4. Drink lots of water.
Drinking water is always essential for oral health, but it is imperative during Halloween. Water helps flush out sugar and acids from your mouth, keeps your teeth and gums healthy, and is a highly recommended oral health habit. Staying hydrated during the Halloween season will also help to prevent dry mouth, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
5. Donate extra candy.
Chances are, you and your family will have more candy and treats than you know what to do with. Please do not feel pressured to eat it all! You can always donate your extra candy to a local business or contribute to the official Halloween Buy-Back Program through their website!
6. Regularly brush and floss.
Of course, practicing good dental hygiene is the best way to protect your teeth during Halloween (and all year round!). Brush your teeth twice for at least two minutes each, and floss once daily. These simple steps can keep your teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque and bacteria.
7. Visit the dentist if you notice any abnormalities.
If you notice anything abnormal about your oral health, be sure to visit the dentist right away. The higher amounts of sugar intake this month can lead to an increased risk of oral health issues; so, whether it is halitosis, toothache, bleeding gums, or anything else, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
Creating the Right Treatment Plan for You at Four Rivers Periodontics and Implant Specialists
At Four Rivers Periodontics and Implant Specialists, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums. No matter the season, we are here to create the best treatment plan for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling (636) 242-6450 or filling out our online form!