Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Halloween
Halloween is a popular holiday loved by people of all ages. Some enjoy the spooky aspect of Halloween, while others love the sweet treats readily available during this time. If you’re looking forward to indulging in a few extra sweet treats this Halloween season, we have some tips to help ensure you don’t experience a fright when you visit our office for your next oral hygiene examination. It is not uncommon for problems, such as tooth decay, to develop from an overindulgence of sweets during this popular candy-filled holiday.
Reasons to Limit Sugar
Do you have a sweet tooth? If you do, we’re sure you’re loving this time of year with all of the candy and sweets that are readily available! You’ve probably been told many times that sugar is bad for your teeth, but do you know why? Each time you eat sugar, especially anything sticky or chewy, some of those sugary particles cling to your teeth. If your teeth aren’t cleaned immediately, that leftover candy turns into acid and begins to eat away at the enamel, eventually leading to tooth decay. At our practice in The Woodlands, TX, we encourage patients to limit sugar and brush their teeth as soon as possible after enjoying sweet treats.
Ways to Help Your Teeth
We know it’s unrealistic to expect our patients to avoid sweet treats altogether–especially during this time of year. Here are some tips to help you avoid complications with your oral health:
- Choose chocolate that melts easily over sticky or chewy treats
- Avoid foods that will linger on the teeth such as fruit snacks, caramel, and taffy
- Drink plenty of water to wash away lingering bacteria
- Brush as soon as possible after eating
- Consider distributing non-candy treats like stickers or pencils
- Donate leftover candy to the troops, your local police department, or another organization
The best way to maintain your oral health is to visit our office regularly for an oral hygiene examination. During these visits, we clean your teeth and inspect for problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. We recommend scheduling visits every four to six months.
If you have questions about your oral health or need to schedule an oral hygiene examination, contact our office in The Woodlands, TX. We’re happy to help.
Have a Happy Halloween!
