This Halloween, we want to remind you not to overdo the candy! You can increase the chance of developing dental cavities if you do not brush or floss and consume too much candy. Cavities are pits or holes in the enamel created by harmful bacteria. While most bacteria in the mouth are helpful, harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches. Their digestive acids break down the outer layer of the tooth and enter the teeth, affecting the nerves within the tooth. Cavities and tooth decay are painful and require professional care. Here, learn tips from your Annapolis dentist to decrease the chance of getting cavities from candy and other sweet treats this Halloween.
Halloween Oral Health Tips From Your Annapolis Dentist
You can enjoy Halloween treats while keeping your dental health and overall health in mind. Follow these tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy this Halloween season:
Avoid Certain Sweets
Lollipops, caramels, and other hard and sticky candies can potentially damage your natural teeth. They may also damage dental restorations like crowns and fillings. These candies can also get stuck in braces or between your teeth. They can be difficult to remove, even with floss. If candy is left between your teeth, it can attract bacteria and increase your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Don’t bite into hard candies or avoid these types of candies altogether if you don’t want to take longer than usual to floss or if you have a restoration that could possibly get damaged.
Drink Water
When you drink water, you not only hydrate your body. You also wash away food particles left on and between your teeth. Drinking water daily can help combat problems like dry mouth, a common dental problem.
Dry mouth is a condition that attracts harmful bacteria to the mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. You can also experience bad breath if you develop dry mouth.
Make sure you drink water when you have Halloween treats and drinks to help prevent foods and other drinks from staying on your smile.
Brush and Floss
Although it may seem obvious, brushing and flossing after eating sweets will help remove food debris and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Many patients forget to floss, but flossing is integral to good oral hygiene. Flossing before brushing helps remove food debris and allows active ingredients in toothpaste, like fluoride, to clean between teeth.
You can still enjoy Halloween without overdoing it! Make sure you brush, floss, hydrate, and avoid hard-to-eat candies. If it’s been some time since your last dental visit, call Dr. Vernon Sheen’s Annapolis dental office (443) 482-5202. You can also schedule a dental appointment on our website.