HALLOWEEN CANDY: YOUR FAMILY DENTAL SURVIVAL GUIDE
With Halloween comes ghosts, goblins and long-awaited TREATS! – And we all know, sugar in these treats can do some damage to the teeth of the little ones and even yours!
And how does the damage happen? When sugar or other food scraps come into contact with the bacteria in our mouth, an acid is produced that is responsible for cavities.
But as a Dad, I am definitely not suggesting that we forget the fun of trick-or-treating. We can absolutely enjoy the fun of Halloween and the treats without any problem…The important thing is to always brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth with floss!
Did you know that chocolate is one of the top choices for trick-or-treating night, which is a good thing because it’s also one of the most popular treats given out on Halloween. Chocolate tends to keep your teeth cleaner than other types of candy, especially dark chocolate, which has less sugar than milk chocolate.
When it comes to sticky gums or gummy type candy, these can be the worst for your teeth. They are difficult to remove and stay on the teeth longer, leading to cavities.
Harder candies are to be avoided as they can break or damage your teeth. Sour-tasting ones are normally very acidic and can weaken and damage your tooth enamel, making them more vulnerable to cavities.
If you are going to attack popcorn, remember to have dental floss on hand to prevent it from getting stuck in your teeth, it is also sticky, sugary, and can be hard.
Remember, Halloween is only once a year, so enjoy it! And today is officially November 1st, which is National Toothbrush Day!
Throughout the year, be sure to:
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Clean between your teeth daily
Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary drinks and snacks
Come see us for your bi-annual cleanings!
