Well, it’s that time of year! Our houses are about the inundated with candy, and, as we well know, this means trouble for our smiles! Our East Plano dentists are here with some tips on how you can limit the amount of dental damage candy causes this Halloween. Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula to make candy good for your smile—but there are still things you can do help protect your teeth!
First and foremost, limit candy consumption as much as possible. When you coat your mouth in sugars, the harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease are able to proliferate. Consider donating some of the Halloween candy that comes into your home, or develop firm parameters regarding how much candy can be consumed each day.
Next, make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day; water helps to rinse your smile of bacteria and debris, and it promotes your body’s natural ability to create saliva. Saliva works to neutralize bacteria and re-mineralize dental enamel. Take the time to rinse your mouth vigorously with water after you consume candy for added benefits.
Consider also how and when you consume sweet treats. It is actually better for your smile if you consume candy in a short sitting, rather than snacking (on the same amount) continuously throughout the day. This is because the oral bacteria in your mouth remain active and feeding for about 20 to 30 minutes after exposure to sugar; your goal is to limit the amount of time that these bacteria are in a feeding frenzy.
Finally, make sure that you are keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine. Reach out to your dentist if you think that your smile is feeling stale, or if it seems difficult to clean. You may want to schedule a professional cleaning post-Halloween to give your teeth and gums a refresh.
As always, our East Plano dentists are happy to give you more information and guidance. Just give our office a call to get started, or use the Contact Us page on our website to submit a personal inquiry!