Halloween is a holiday full of spooky fun, but it is also a holiday full of candy. Candy is fun, but sugary treats can lead to tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and create acids that can damage your teeth. To keep your teeth healthy during Halloween, follow these dental care tips.
Drink Water
Candy is delicious, but sugary treats can cause cavities. Brushing your teeth after eating candy or sweets can help prevent this. Also, be sure to drink water after you eat something to wash away the sugars and acids in your mouth. Drinking water throughout the day will also help keep your mouth clean.
Eat Quickly
Candies that stay in the mouth for a long time are the worst for teeth. Hard, sticky candies like caramels, taffy, and suckers can get stuck between teeth and cause damage overnight. Try to avoid these types of candies as much as possible. If you do eat one, try to eat it quickly and carefully floss it to get rid of any lingering pieces.
Protect Your Teeth
Teeth grinding is also a common problem during Halloween due to all the sugar and stress. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about possible solutions, like a mouth guard to keep your teeth from rubbing together while you sleep. Your dentist may also recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed to reduce jaw pain caused by grinding.
Brush and Floss Regularly
As part of your regular dental care routine, you want to keep your teeth as clean as possible to avoid cavities or tooth decay. While sugary treats can be tempting during this time of year, do your best to limit them between meals. Make sure to brush and floss regularly to remove any lingering sugar that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Watch What You Eat
Hearty, starchy foods taste great after a meal, but these foods need a long time to break down in your mouth. This can cause teeth to stick together, which can increase your risk of cavities and tooth decay. Try to eat these types of foods for meals instead of snacks and save the sweets for a special treat.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings is the best way to maintain your oral health. By keeping an eye out for any signs of decay, we can treat it before it has a chance to become a problem. If it’s been a while since your last appointment with us, give us a call today to get started with your preventative care!
To learn more about ways to maintain good oral health, please reach out to the dental office located in San Mateo, CA 94401 at (650) 342-8618, and we’ll be happy to help.