Halloween is just around the corner, which means we will all be stocking up on sugary treats! Although we all enjoy a little indulgence every once in a while, consuming a lot of candy is never recommended! Bacteria loves sugar because it is a delicious snack for these germs. When bacteria are fed, the acid in your mouth increases, which can damage your enamel and lead to several tooth problems.
Let’s overview 3 ways to keep your smile healthy while you enjoy this sweet holiday.
How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy During Halloween
Eat a Healthy Diet. Your overall health can be measured by a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It’s inevitable that you will consume processed candy on October 31st; so stay away from other processed foods and added sugars, especially sugary liquids like sodas, juices, and sweetened teas. You will feel better about going for that extra treat if you know you are maintaining a healthy diet!
Eat Candy After a Meal. When you eat or drink, the saliva in your mouth increases in order to clean out lingering bacteria. The best time to consume a sugary treat is right after you eat a meal. Not only will your mouth be primed to rid your teeth of harmful germs, you will be less likely to gorge.
Choose Wisely. Some candies can do more damage than others. Try to reach for chocolate, peanut butter, or easily dissolvable snacks and limit sticky or hard candies. Sticky sweets like caramel or taffy are more likely to get stuck to your teeth, causing a higher chance of cavities or gum disease. Hard candies will stay in your mouth for longer periods of time because you are more inclined to suck on them; this prolongs sugar exposure, which can damage oral health.
We hope these tips will come in handy this season! On behalf of Panorama Dental, we wish you and your family a happy, healthy, safe, (and spooky) Halloween!