October is an exciting month because everyone is preparing for the spookiest night of the year, Halloween. Although, there is one thing that scarier than any costume or mask you could wear and that is cavities. The candy is one of the best parts of Halloween, but you need to be cautious when consuming it especially in large quantities. Before going out trick-or-treating with your children, you need to have a plan to ensure they will continue to have healthy mouths long after Halloween is over.
It’s Okay To Be Picky
When choosing candy to eat after trick-or-treating, it is best to pick treats that will be swallowed quickly and cause the least amount of damage. Try to avoid any candies that sticky or hard because they will be in your mouth for a while increasing the chances of tooth decay. Instead, eat chocolates or any sweets that do not stick to your teeth. The best option is to look for treats that are sugar-free.
Timing is Everything
When trying to limit the chances of cavities or other dental issues, it is not only about what you eat, but when you eat that matters. When you want to eat your Halloween candy, try to eat it with a meal or shortly after having one. Saliva increases during meals, so it helps eliminate all of the harmful acids and washes out all of the food particles that tend to build up into plaque. It is also helpful to monitor how much candy your child eats so you can help limit their consumption.
Don’t Forget To Brush and Floss
Brushing your teeth and flossing is more important than ever during Halloween. With your intake of sugar increasing, you want to avoid cavities and gum disease at all costs. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Remember to floss at least once a day to reach the plaque and food particles your brush might miss.
Oral Care from Catonsville Dental Care
Whether you want to whiten your teeth, straighten your teeth or have a wisdom tooth extracted Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and commitment to comfort, safety and relaxation you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.