Whether you’re a kid or an adult, Halloween means consuming more sugary treats than you would normally. Too much sugar is a recipe for tooth decay, and over time, aching teeth and infections! In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how to protect your smile during this spooky time of year.
Candy and Poor Oral Health
When we consume items high in sugar, then particles of it will cling to the teeth or become caught between them. When harmful oral bacteria break down these bits of sugar, this elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque, factors that weaken and erode tooth enamel and coat the teeth in plaque buildup. Over time, this could mean painful cavities. We recommend steering clear of sticky or chewy candies, as these are especially prone to become stuck in our smile, such as gummy or caramel treats. Even dried fruits could be a risk due to their sticky nature. While milk chocolate contains sugar, it is much easier to clean from your smile.
Handing Out Healthy Options
If you’re going to be handing out treats to kids in your building or neighborhood, consider smile-healthy options in sealed containers, such as nuts or trail mix. You could also hand out stickers or party favors, such as plastic skeletons or spider rings. This way kids still receive their treats, without putting their smiles at risk!
Safeguarding Teeth from Cavities
Practicing good oral hygiene can safeguard your smile on Halloween, and through the rest of the year. Make sure that you always start your day by brushing for two minutes, and that you use a fluoride toothpaste too. You should end the day by brushing again for two minutes, and also flossing thoroughly. Drink plenty of water, as this helps clean your smile, and also be sure to see us for a checkup and cleaning. A checkup means we can watch the smile for signs of weakened enamel and address cavities before you develop toothaches. The cleaning allows our team to remove all plaque and tartar from the smile, lowering the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and even gum disease.
If you have any questions about caring for your smile this Halloween, or if you would like to set up a visit before the holiday season makes your schedule more hectic, then contact our team today.
Do You Need a Checkup or Cleaning?
Our team wants to help you make good decisions for your smile this Halloween, and all year around too. To learn more about how to safeguard and protect your smile, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320. With the right steps, you and your family can maintain your best and brightest smile!
