Ready for Halloween? Families across the country are gathering the final pieces of their costumes and preparing for all the spooky events to come. While dressing up as a frightening vampire or zombie can be fun, you don’t want your smile to look scary all the time. Fortunately, there are many ways you can keep your pearly whites healthy, strong, and beautiful this season. Continue reading to learn more!
Eat Candy Shortly After Mealtime
When you eat something, your saliva production increases to help wash away residual food particles and sugar. This natural process can cancel out some of the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. If you eat candy just after a meal instead of grazing on it all day, you can limit the amount of time sugar has contact with your teeth. As a result, you can lower your risk of developing cavities or decay!
Choose Your Candy Wisely
Candy itself is not good for your oral health. However, some types are worse than others. It’s a good idea to avoid hard candy and sticky sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time because they’ll cling to your teeth. The stickier the candy is, the more time is required for it to get washed away by saliva, leaving your teeth susceptible to decay. Also, biting into hard candies can lead to a broken or cracked tooth and cost you a trip to your emergency dentist. The best candy options for your teeth are chocolate and sugar-free gum!
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Water is truly the best drink for your oral and overall health. Not only does it help you stay hydrated, but it prevents cavities by washing away the sugar clinging to your teeth. Additionally, eating a nutrient-rich diet can keep you full and lower your temptation to overindulge on Halloween candy. Be sure to stay away from sugary drinks (i.e., soda, sports drinks, flavored water) as they can increase your chances of tooth decay.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Halloween night can be very busy, but you shouldn’t let the family go to bed without brushing and flossing their teeth! Everyone needs to continue practicing good oral hygiene to protect their smile from cavities or other oral health issues. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and floss once a day.
Your smile doesn’t have to be scary this Halloween. By following these tips, you can keep your pearly whites from being the most frightening part of the season!
About the Practice
At Tamborello Dental Associates, we use the latest technologies and techniques to ensure you get the exceptional care you deserve. Our team is passionate about helping families achieve their happiest, healthiest smiles. For more ways to protect your smile this Halloween, visit our website or call (713) 522-7540.