Treats can be Tricky!
Halloween: a day dedicated to eating candy -what is there not to love! The simple answer to that is dental cavities. Not to worry though, with a few tips you can balance candy with healthy teeth this Halloween.
One thing to note is that the length of time sugar stays on the teeth plays a significant role in cavity development. Avoid candies that last in the mouth for long periods of times such as sticky and hard candies like tootsie rolls, gummy worms, caramel, and lollipops. Not to mention, hard candy can increase your risk of damaging your teeth if accidently biting into them, which can lead to tooth fracture or dislodge a filling or restoration. If you are indulging in a sweet treat, it is best to do so during mealtimes. This allows for more saliva to be present within the mouth, which can help neutralize the sugary acids produced by oral bacteria.
It is also best to limit the amount of sugar you consume. Take a look at these tasty Halloween treats and their sugar content:
As you can see, not all candy is created equally. Chocolate bars, in particular those made of dark chocolate, often contain less sugar and melt quickly, making this sweet sometimes a better option than other candies. Another great treat to enjoy this Halloween is sugar-free chewing gum. It helps stimulate saliva production, which in turn helps neutralize harmful acids and rinse away food debris, helping lower your risk of tooth decay. When eating sweet treats, make sure you consume water to help rinse away the sugar from the teeth.
With all these things in mind, maintaining good oral health throughout the Halloween season can help keep you from getting tricked by cavities. Consuming candy in moderation and with good oral hygiene practices can be okay. Make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily to help keep your pearly whites healthy this Halloween and beyond.
This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.
Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.
Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Bahar Houshman and Dr. Marisa Reason is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Reisman would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.
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