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? 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 eat popcorn, remember to have dental floss on hand to prevent it from getting stuck in your teeth.
Remember, Halloween is only once a year, so enjoy it!
Throughout the year, be sure to: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, eat a healthy diet that limits sugary drinks and snacks, and come see us for your bi-annual cleanings!