As Halloween approaches, you look forward to indulging in some tasty snacks. The problem is that the sugary delights can wreak havoc on your oral health. You’re left wondering whether there are any compromises you can make, or will you have to miss out on all the Halloween fun? Read on to get the expert advice of a dentist in Kenner!
Are All Candies Created Equal?
The sugars that create the sweet flavors of candy also contribute to bacteria growth in the mouth, but to lessen the effects, your dentist offers some simple guidelines to follow:
- Chocolate – If you choose to partake in some sweet treats, then chocolate is your best bet. That’s because it washes off the teeth easier. Another tip to lessen your sugar consumption is to choose dark instead of milk chocolate.
- Sticky Candies – The stickier candies can be more detrimental to your teeth because they are harder to remove. The longer sugar stays on your teeth, the more damage that can be done.
- Hard Candies – Hard candies can also be problematic because they have to be held in the mouth longer before they dissolve, which means your teeth are constantly saturated with sugar.
- Sour Candies – To produce a lip-puckering taste, acidic ingredients are added to sour candy, and they can work to rapidly wear down your enamel.
How You Can Protect Your Teeth
No matter what type of candy you choose to eat for Halloween, the common ingredient of them all is sugar. So if you plan to treat yourself to any sweet delights, along with knowing what are the best options, you still need more help. It comes in the form of your oral hygiene.
Be sure to brush and floss your teeth after the festivities have ended. Brushing your teeth will agitate and remove any sugars and particles that are clinging to your digits. Then using dental floss to probe the hard-to-reach areas will help to eliminate any hidden debris.
Thus, by the time you retire for bed, you won’t have to worry about any excessive bacteria growth.
What to Do When You’re on the Go
If you’re out and about and can’t brush or floss your teeth, then be sure to carry a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash to rinse your mouth after eating candy. Another helpful tooth to keep handy is a dental pick. It will allow access to the tight spaces between your teeth until you can floss.
A final way to protect your oral health is to schedule a fall preventive care visit with your dentist for a thorough cleaning, check-up and X-Rays to make sure your oral health is where it should be. Working with a local dentist, you can enjoy one of your favorite times of the year without sacrificing your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Kerry T. Plaisance is a graduate of Louisiana State University and has been in private practice for 13 years. Throughout his career, he has striven to be the best, which is why he has been voted as a Top Dentist in New Orleans Magazine for the past 10 years. Dr. Plaisance helps patients enjoy excellent oral health through preventive care and expert advice given at deJong and Plaisance Family Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.
