Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Halloween is the time of year that’s full of scary fun, but there’s nothing fun about the threat of tooth decay compromising the oral health of you or your children. With candy within easy reach throughout the Halloween season, all that tooth-rotting sugar can have a ghoulish impact on teeth. Tusculum Dental Care understands you want to enjoy Halloween, so we provided some tips on how to safeguard your dental health while enjoying all the scares and sweets.
Tip 1) Increase your dental hygiene regimen
The American Dental Association recommends that each person brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily. You probably already know this, but during times of the year like Halloween when your consumption of sweets is going to increase, you should beef up your oral care routine. Consider brushing after each snack and flossing twice a day. This will help prevent the build-up of sugary particles on your teeth, a favored food source of the bacteria that cause cavities. Bacteria convert those sugars into acids, doing damage to your tooth enamel, and raising your overall risk of decay.
Tip 2) Not all treats are created equal
Certain sweets in that trick-or-treat bucket pose a greater threat to your oral health. Hard candies, for example, can chip or crack teeth or do damage to existing restorations in your mouth like fillings or crowns. You also should watch out for candy that is very chewy or sticky, which can adhere more easily to the surfaces of your teeth. Also, avoid treats that are highly acidic—such as sour candies. The high acid content that exists in this candy ends up being exposed directly to your teeth. Many of these sour candies also are made to remain in the mouth for a long time. The most smile-friendly type of Halloween treat actually is chocolate, which dissolves fairly quickly in the mouth.
Tip 3) Remember moderationÂ
You don’t want to deny your kids the fun of Halloween (including the candy), but you don’t want them to go wild on sugary treats, either. This is a fine chance to teach your children the importance of balance. Try to portion out those trick-or-treat treasures to be eaten in small amounts in a single sitting. Avoid letting your kids munch or graze on candy throughout the day, as this extends the amount of contact those sugars with teeth. You can encourage moderation by offering to “buy back” some of the surplus candy from Halloween, or set up a candy bank at home that lets your kids make daily withdrawals.
Family Dentistry in Greeneville
Dr. Nathaniel Renner and Dr. Craig Shepherd want you and your family to enjoy Halloween, but not at the expense of doing serious damage to you or your child’s oral health. We offer a comprehensive program of kids care to help protect your children against tooth decay and other threats to oral health. Ready to find out more? Call Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve patients in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee.