One of the most exciting festivals of the fall season is Halloween. It’s a time to let the kid in you out as you where your favorite costume. It also gives you an excuse to indulge in some of your favorite sugary delights. Your dentist reminds you, though, that while enjoying the fun, don’t forget to protect your oral health. Read on to learn some great tips that will aid in preventing the development of cavities!
What’s the Problem with Sugar?
The biggest concern of your candy intake is the amount of sugar you’ll ingest. The challenge that sugar imposes is that it is the food of choice of bacteria. These bacteria are the source of tooth decay and lead to gum disease, as they eventually form plaque that bores into your enamel (the outsider layer of your teeth) and can even seep beneath the gumline.
Thankfully, there are some steps you can take that will allow you to enjoy the Halloween fun without sacrificing your oral health.
Eat Your Candy in Moderation
Although the sweet flavors can be intoxicating, don’t overdo it on the candy consumption. Just remember that with every piece of candy, you are bathing your teeth in acidic compounds that lead to corrosion and a host of dental health issues like gum disease and tooth loss.
Still, you don’t have to miss out on all the fun. Just practice a little restraint.
Don’t Forget Your Oral Hygiene
Another way to ensure that Halloween doesn’t become a dental health horror is to brush and floss your teeth immediately after consuming your treats. This is one of the better counter-strategies as it will remove the sugars before they can imbed in your teeth.
Donate Excess Candy
If you have extra candy remaining after the Halloween festivities have concluded, the consider donating the rest to someone in need. Here’s what you stand to gain:
- The warm feeling of knowing that you brightened someone else’s day
- Less sugary temptations for you to have to fight off
Have a Cut-Off Time
When you go to sleep at night, your mouth will be partially closed throughout the evening. That creates an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
Since bacteria love sugar, consuming an excess amount before going to bed exacerbates the problem. A remedy is to set a cut-off time for yourself that is at least two hours before you retire for bed.
The moral of the story is that you don’t have to miss out on the Halloween fun. Just be mentally present throughout the whole process so you can make sound decisions.
For more helpful tips, you can contact your dentist to schedule a preventive care visit so your Halloween night will be filled with treats and no tricks!
About the Author
With a vast background that includes a professorship and dental practice, Dr. James A. Moreau Jr. has over 30 years of experience in dentistry. A graduate of the LSU School of Dentistry, he provides competent and comprehensive care, which ranges from TMJ disorder therapy to implant placement. Dr. Moreau helps patients vacate ghoulish bacteria with the best in dental care at More Smiles Dental Spa, and he can be reached for more information through his website.