BOO! Just like that, it’s time to carve pumpkins, pick out your costume, and, of course, purchase lots and lots of candy. After all, what would this spooktacular season be without sour straws, gummy treats, chocolate bars, and the like? While indulging in a piece or two along the way is certainly okay, the average American consumes a whopping 3.4 pounds of candy throughout October – that’s a recipe for a mouthful of cavities! Here’s how to keep your smile healthy during Halloween.
#1. Be Selective with Your Candy
Whether you purchase copious amounts of candy for trick-or-treaters or collect an entire bag full during your Halloween night adventures, it’s important to be selective with your candy. Treats that are gummy in nature can cling to your teeth, leaving you particularly vulnerable to cavities. Sour candies that are acidic aren’t ideal either. So, try to stick to chocolate (preferably dark chocolate, if possible). Consider donating the remaining candy so you won’t be tempted to indulge in November and beyond.
#2. Eat Your Candy During Mealtime
Between mealtimes, it can be tempting to reach for some candy to satisfy your grumbling tummy. There are a few reasons you should avoid this habit. First, the sugars will cling to your teeth until you brush your teeth, which can be 5+ hours if a sweet treat is your afternoon snack. Second, your saliva production is significantly lower when you snack vs. when you eat a full meal. So, do your best to indulge in a piece or two alongside your lunch or dinner.
#3. Follow a Balanced Diet
Avoiding candy altogether is nearly impossible during the Halloween season. Fortunately, you can enjoy these treats freely as long as you follow a balanced diet the majority of the time. During breakfast, lunch, and dinner, fill your plate with vitamin-rich foods that will fill you up. Throughout the day, snack on raw veggies and fruits that will nourish your body and benefit your teeth and gums, like celery and apples.
#4. Brush and Floss Consistently
All too often, patients forgo their dental care routine for the extra 10 minutes of sleep. If this becomes a habit, it won’t take long for your oral health to suffer, especially if you’re regularly eating candy. That’s why consistently brushing and flossing is of the utmost importance! You should also rinse with mouthwash regularly and visit your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning.
Halloween is known as the spooky season, but it shouldn’t be a scary time for your teeth! To keep your smile in pristine condition during October, make sure to implement the above best practices.
About the Practice
Our team at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford has been serving nearby patients for nearly six decades now. In that time, we’ve helped countless patients preserve their healthy, happy smiles, even around candy-filled holidays like Halloween! Plus, our caring dentists have the skill, training, and precision needed to provide high-quality restorative care and smile-enhancing cosmetic dentistry as well. So, if you eat your fair share of candy this season, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 817-594-3806 to schedule an appointment.