Halloween is just around the corner! As you are finishing putting up decorations and the finishing touches on your costume, something you should consider is your smile. Having buckets of candy around doesn’t have the best effect on teeth this time of year. You don’t want to leave the spooky season with a scary smile, so it’s important that you take all the right steps to care for it. Here are some tips to help you keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape this Halloween!
Be Picky About Your Sweets
Some candies are worse for your smile than others. It’s best to stay away from hard candies and sticky sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time. The stickier the candy, the longer it takes for saliva to wash it away, therefore increasing your risk of tooth decay. Sour candies are also problematic because they are very acidic. Acid weakens the teeth and damages their enamel.
Have Your Candy with a Meal
Salivary production increases during meals. This helps to rinse away food particles and cancels out some of the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. Try having your Halloween candy as a dessert shortly after a meal instead of as a stand-alone snack.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is essential for your body and your smile. Water helps to prevent cavities by washing away the sugar clinging to your teeth. Staying hydrated also helps to prevent dry mouth. When your mouth is too dry, it becomes the perfect place for bacteria to thrive.
Limit Yourself
A candy bar or two likely won’t do you much harm, but frequently binging on a variety of treats can be damaging to your smile and your general health. It’s best to set a limit for yourself and save the rest for later.
Maintain Excellent Dental Hygiene
As busy as this time of year can be, it is especially important that you maintain an excellent dental hygiene routine. Continue to brush twice, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste for the best results. If it has been more than six months since your last cleaning and checkup, now’s a great time to give your dentist a call to schedule your next appointment.
Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it’s crucial that you take care of yourself – including your smile. By using the tips listed above, you can reduce your risk of dental issues that would warrant an emergency visit to the dental office!
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Concepts, we have a team of four skilled dentists serving Dyer. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more ways to keep your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (219) 322-3418.