Most sugary treats can be tempting all year round, but during Halloween, sweets can be especially dangerous. Whether you are getting ready to host a Halloween party or are buying candy to give out to trick-or-treaters, you might feel like you are surrounded by sugary food. Treats like chocolate, lollipops, and hard candy can lead to harmful plaque buildup on the teeth. So after Halloween, once you’ve had your fill of candy and other treats, it’s important to take good care of your teeth. Preventive dentistry can help you stop problems before they develop. Good oral care habits and keep your teeth healthy all year round.
Reach out to your dentist today to schedule a cleaning. While there, ask how to care for your teeth, especially during Halloween.
Oral Care Habits and Halloween
During the Halloween season, many of our traditions revolve around food, especially sugary treats. Caramel apples, apple cider donuts, and fun-size candies can be found everywhere. Maybe you are drawn to candy corn, or you’ve bought some sweets to keep around the house for your children. Whatever the case, you should be careful about how much sugar you consume.
When you eat food that contains sugar, saliva, and bacteria in your mouth feed off of the sugar molecules. This can lead to plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is harmful to teeth as it can wear down enamel and lead to cavities and tooth infection.
In order to properly care for your teeth around Halloween and throughout the year, there are a few steps that you can take.
Oral Care and Preventative Dentistry
Good oral care habits will help protect your teeth even when you do eat sugar. What habits does this include?
- Brushing – You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and preferably after meals as well. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as toothbrushes with hard bristles can irritate the gum. When brushing, don’t use too much force. Use fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes to remove all the plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth.
- Flossing – This will help you remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas in your mouth such as between teeth. Implementing this habit today can keep plaque from causing an issue down the road.
When you do eat sugary foods such as Halloween candy, there are a couple things that you can do to keep plaque from forming on your teeth. The simplest habit you can implement is to drink water throughout the day and especially after eating. This will help wash away any sugar or bacteria that remains on your teeth. While drinking water is not a substitute for brushing, it can be an important part of your oral care routine.
Whether it is Halloween season or not, visiting your dentist regularly for preventive dentistry and teeth cleanings will help you avoid oral health issues. During these cleanings, your dentist will look for potential problems, will remove any plaque or tartar buildup, and will give you advice about good oral care habits.
There’s no reason to give up your favorite sweets during Halloween. Instead, simply follow these steps for reducing plaque buildup on your teeth and visit your dentist regularly.
Reach Out to Columbia Smiles Today
At Columbia Smiles, we know that many people don’t visit the dentist until a problem develops. However, preventive dentistry can keep your teeth in good shape for life. Contact our team at 410.690.4855 today to schedule an appointment for a teeth cleaning. We’ll help keep your teeth and gums healthy so you can enjoy the treats you love.
