Dental Care Tips For Halloween

Halloween is a fun holiday, but it comes with its own set of health risks. Most parents want their children to enjoy this holiday to the fullest, but Halloween can also take a toll on oral health. Listed below are some oral tips that can help maintain oral health during Halloween.

Halloween Candies and Treats

Some candies are better than others when it comes to taking care of your oral health. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that you should eat the bad ones at all! Here are some things to keep in mind as you decide which treats to eat this Halloween.

Hard candies and breath mints will not damage your smile. In fact, they can help clean off your teeth after a meal. Bacteria, food particles, and other debris can stick between teeth after eating. If plaque is not removed regularly, it can turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist using special tools. Breaking up hard candies or chewing on breath mints can get rid of this substance before it causes any problems.

Candies like caramels and toffee may stick to teeth and cause problems like tooth decay. This sticky texture allows sugar to remain in your mouth longer than other types of sweets. These candies can also get stuck in between teeth, making them harder to remove when flossing. There is also evidence that people who consume a lot of sugary foods on a regular basis have an increased risk of developing gum disease.

Chocolate tends to be somewhere in the middle in terms of how damaging it is to your teeth. While it is not as acidic as citrus fruit or other sour candies, it is also not as beneficial as plain milk. Milk does contain sugars in it, but the sugars are broken down by your body more quickly. Milk also contains calcium and phosphates that strengthen your enamel and prevent damage from acids. Dark chocolates tend to have more cocoa in them and less added sugars. This is better for your smile and your waistline! (Not all chocolate is good for you.)

Sugar-free gum can also prevent problems with dry mouth, which contributes to bad breath and bacterial growth. When sugar-free gum is chewed, saliva production increases so that you can rinse away the food particles stuck in your teeth.

Halloween Oral Hygiene

Remember to brush and floss your teeth daily, especially while eating candy or enjoying other treats during Halloween. Brushing will help remove excess food particles that linger between the teeth and cause plaque buildup. Flossing will clean the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and gums and prevent cavities. Don't forget to schedule your next visit with your dentist for a regular checkup and cleaning!

To learn more about oral health tips, please reach out to our dental practice in Cypress, TX, and have a consultation with our dentist. Call us at (832) 353-3600 or schedule an online appointment, and we'll guide you further.