Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Halloween is almost here, which means lots and lots of sugary sweets. Whether young or old, Halloween candy can be hard to pass up. While we all know that sugar can lead to cavities, it doesn’t mean that our Okemos general dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, expects everyone to avoid sugar entirely. But, with our tips on the blog today, you can learn how to protect your family’s oral health this Halloween.
Limit how often you eat candy
We get it, kids get home from trick or treating, and the first thing they want to do is indulge in their stash. But, most parents immediately set limits on how many pieces of candy they allow their child in one sitting. However, in terms of your oral health (or that of your child), warding off cavities has more to do with how often your teeth are exposed to sugar.
Here’s an example. Let’s say that you allow your child three pieces of candy a day. Lots of parents would feel it is a healthier choice to insist that their child eat those three pieces at different times during the day so that they don’t get too hyped up on sugar all at once. But, what is it means is that teeth are being coated in sugar several times during the day. If you brushed your teeth that morning and then didn’t plan on brushing again until bedtime, your teeth will have sugar on them throughout the entire day. It’s that kind of repetitive exposure that increases the risk of cavities. Instead, let your child indulge in several pieces at once, preferably around mealtime, and be done with the candy for the rest of the day. Working in a brushing session afterward is even better.
Drink plenty of water
Water is helpful to prevent dry mouth and keep you hydrated. It also helps rinse away sugar and particles that linger in your mouth after eating. While it shouldn’t replace brushing and flossing, drinking plenty of water when you eat candy is ideal. Doing so helps rinse away residual sugar that may linger on or between your teeth. It also helps freshen your breath when you aren’t able to brush.
Chew sugar-free gum
The best way to remove sugar from your teeth is to brush them, but that isn’t always possible due to hectic schedules or the lack of being able to carry around the necessary items. If you aren’t able to brush after eating candy, pop in your mouth a piece of sugar-free gum containing xylitol. Reports state that chewing gum containing xylitol helps reduce the risk of cavities. Plus, it freshens your breath if you’re in a pinch.
Skip the worst options
By this, we don’t mean to skip the candies you don’t like. Instead, give chewy, sticky, or gummy candies, which are known to lodge in the tiny cervices of your teeth, a hard pass. Their gooey substance remains stuck in the tiny crevices of your teeth, which is exactly where cavities often form. Chocolate, hard candies, and anything that won’t stick to your teeth are better options. If you choose sticky candies, just be sure to take the recommended precautions to guard your teeth against cavities.
Amp up your oral hygiene routine
Now is as good of a time as any to amp up your oral hygiene routine. Everyone should brush their teeth at least two times a day, but a mid-day brushing session during days that you consume more sugar than usual could be helpful at reducing your risk of cavities. Also, go ahead and commit to daily flossing. This short routine could be completed while finishing up your favorite show before bed. The minute or two that it takes to floss is well worth the benefit of protecting your oral health.
General Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing
Halloween, and the upcoming holidays, are a time of enjoyment for many, which often revolves around food and sweets. While we don’t expect you to forgo sugar, just be cautious about which options you choose and how often you choose them. Remember to continue practicing good oral hygiene to protect your teeth and gums and keep your smiling sparkling through the holidays. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733.