Happy Post Halloween! How to handle all that candy.

Once again, it’s the scariest time of the year — and your teeth have good reason to be afraid! All that Halloween candy can increase your risk of developing cavities. However, there are things you can do to limit the effects of Halloween on your dental health. Here are a few useful tips.

Schedule a Professional Cleaning

One good way to reverse the damage of the scary season is to schedule a professional cleaning Post Halloween. During a professional cleaning, we can use high-powered water jets and other specialist tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, therefore reducing your risk of tooth decay. While you’re at it, why not come in for a professional teeth whitening procedure if those pearly whites are looking a little dull?

Don’t Graze on Candy

Snacking on candy throughout the day is a bad habit that many people get into around Halloween. Grazing on sugary foods is the most damaging way to consume them, as it means that the bacteria in your mouth have a constant supply of sugar to eat. As they feast on the sugar, these bacteria release acids that soften tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. You can limit the contact that the harmful acids have with your teeth by only eating candy once a day as a treat, rather than snacking on it continuously.

Clean Your Teeth

Remember when you joyfully dug into your Halloween candy, only to hear your mom say, “sugar rots your teeth,” and limited your candy, she was right. If you’re a parent saying the same thing to your kids, good! During the Post Halloween period, it is more important than ever to keep teeth clean through daily brushing and flossing. Make a deal with your kids — they can have a piece of candy each day only if they maintain a good brushing and flossing routine. Every morning and evening, make sure they brush for the full dentist-recommended two minutes and that they remember to floss as well. Even baby teeth need to be kept clean to avoid painful cavities developing.

Avoid Caramel

The worst kind of candy for your teeth is anything sticky, such as caramel. When sugar sticks to your teeth, its harmful effects are prolonged due to the longer contact time. Chewing sticky caramel can even loosen or pull off dental crowns, leading to you need an urgent repair. Chose less chewy types of candy to protect any dental work.

Holidays are a dangerous time for teeth, but by following these tips you can limit the potential of candy and sugary treats to cause lasting harm to your dental health. If you have any concerns about your teeth in the aftermath of Halloween, please contact us today.

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