Next week millions of people across the United States will be celebrating Halloween. If you have children, this means there will soon be a ton of candy in the house. Along with an excess of sugary treats often comes a higher risk of tooth decay. Fortunately, there are ways of helping your smile stay healthy during Halloween.
Tips for Maintaining Heathy Smiles During Halloween
- Offer Healthier Alternatives: Instead of candy bars or other sugary treats, why not offer individual bags of crackers, nuts, or trail mix? You can also forgo snacks altogether, providing party favors or other small trinkets.
- Limit Candy: This one applies to both you and your children! Don’t gorge yourself on candy. Instead, limit yourself to one or two pieces, preferably right after a meal and with a glass of water. The water helps rinse away some of the sugar particles that would cling to the teeth.
- Donate Candy: There are several organizations, such as Operation Gratitude, to which you can donate your excess candy. The loot will then be shipped to soldiers overseas. You can let your kids pick some of their favorite pieces, but donate the bulk to a good cause.
- Brush Properly: Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you need to brush your teeth twice a day, two minutes per session. Doing so helps reduce the severity of plaque buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gingivitis forming.
- Always Floss: In addition to brushing your teeth you also need to floss each day before bed. Flossing removes the food particles caught between the teeth, which your toothbrush bristles can’t reach. You and your children should floss daily. If you have any questions about keeping smiles free of decay, then please contact our office today. We can also schedule a checkup and cleaning to help ensure your smile remains healthy and cavity-free.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY(including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
