For many children especially, Halloween means a bunch of candy. But going too hard on candy can cause cavities and other problems with your oral health. Drs. Karl and Walter Neuhaus of Creekside Dentistry and Implantology, a dentist in Amherst, NY, discuss how to have a Halloween that won’t scare your dentist.
Know the Best Candy Options
When it comes to candy, there are certain options that are better than others. Knowing which ones can cause the least damage allows you to go for the ones that are best for your teeth. Chocolate may actually be the best thing you can eat, provided it’s not filled with something like sticky caramel. Dark chocolate in particular may help to strengthen your tooth enamel.
Know the Worst Options, Too
You should definitely know the worst culprits in your candy options as well. Things that are sticky and chewy, like taffy or gummy candies, are usually the ones most likely to cause cavities. They get stuck in between teeth and in the crevices of your molars. Harmful oral bacteria then come in to feed on these sugary substances, releasing an acidic byproduct that eats through tooth enamel.
Eat Before Parties or Trick or Treating
When we’re hungry, we’re a lot more likely to give in to cravings for sweets and junk foods. Make sure that your kids’ bellies are full with a healthy meal before going out for the night. Instead of digging into their pile of candy right away, hopefully, they can wait until you all can get home so you can go through what they got.
Consume in Moderation
The full haul from trick or treating doesn’t have to be eaten all in one night. Create a system with your children for them to eat the candy slowly and controlled instead of in one large binge. Spacing it out is also better for their teeth. Make candy rewards for doing small chores around the house or making sure their homework is done.
Drink Lots of Water
This is true year-round, not just when Halloween is here. Water helps with saliva production to wash away harmful particles and bacteria from your teeth. The buildup won’t be as bad if you’re drinking water and washing out your mouth every time you eat candy. Water is also the healthiest drink that you can consume for your teeth.
Keep Up With Preventative Care
During this time, you should definitely be vigilant with brushing and flossing at home. This is the best way to make sure those food remnants are away from your teeth. Keep up with your regular preventative care visits to the dentist as well. We can help you know the state of your oral health and alert you to any problems we see.
Visit Your Amherst, New York Dentist
We’ll take a look at your teeth and let you know if there’s anything you should be worried about. Call us or schedule an appointment online!