Scare Off Cavities! 5 Tips for Candy Consumption Around Halloween

Holidays like Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve have their fair share of delectable treats. But there is no doubt that Halloween is the most candy-filled celebration. In fact, the average American consumes nearly 3.5 pounds of candy this time of year! Naturally, the impact of that much sugar on your teeth and gums can be disastrous. With this in mind, read on for five tips from a dentist on how to keep your oral health in “spooktacular” condition!

#1. Indulge in Candy During or Shortly After Your Meal

When sugar interacts with the bacteria in your mouth, it produces an enamel-eroding acid that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Fortunately for candy-lovers, saliva can help neutralize the acids in your mouth while simultaneously washing away food particles. Since your salivary glands are the most active during your meals, opt for a piece or two then!

#2. Be Picky About Your Candy

From mouth-puckering sour candies to crunchy milk chocolate bars, there is a candy for every sweet tooth. However, some pose a greater risk to your oral health. Perhaps the worst offenders are hard candies that can chip, crack, or fracture your tooth with one wrong bite. Sour candies that are coated in sugar and high in acid are equally as harmful for your teeth. Therefore, stick to milk or dark chocolate!

#3. Plan Ahead

Whether you purchase a couple of bags of candy for trick-or-treaters or your child comes home with a bag full of their own, your home can quickly become filled with enough sugary goodness to last until January! Fortunately, you can protect your oral health by keeping a few and donating the rest. Plan a predetermined amount you can keep ahead of time and stick to it! If you have a little one who is a bit resistant to the idea, help them by “purchasing” their candy in exchange for a toy or fun outing.

#4. Always Brush Before Bed

At the end of a long day, few things are as inviting as your warm, cozy covers. But before you hop in, make sure to brush your teeth! Otherwise, the sugar, food particles, and debris have 7+ uninterrupted hours to wreak havoc on your teeth. Make sure to also clean between your teeth with some floss as well to remove plaque and bacteria!

#5. Visit the Dentist for Some Halloween Time TLC

Routine visits to your dentist are a crucial component of any proper oral hygiene routine. After all, the powerful tools they have at their office are the only way to effectively remove built-up plaque and tartar. Plus, bi-yearly visits allow your dentist to detect small concerns before they become large dental problems!

Indulging in your favorite candy is a staple of the season. Fortunately, you can do so guilt-free as long as you follow the above tips!

About the Practice

Top-notch care, a friendly team, experienced doctors, and a comprehensive array of services intersect at Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. Dr. Steven Stec, Dr. CJ Stec, and Dr. Jacob Stines firmly believe in using the latest technology, modern techniques, and personalized treatment plans so each patient can achieve pristine oral health and a beautiful smile. If your teeth need some Halloween time TLC, don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call at 308-382-4440.