We all know that candy is damaging to our teeth, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy them during our spookiest and sweetest holiday. Come November 1st, however, you may find yourself worrying about how many cavities your McAllen dentist will find on your next visit.
Cavities take a long time to form, so you can make it through Halloween with a healthy smile so long as you are careful. Here are the tips that will keep your family’s smiles bright.
Dole Out the Candy Slowly
Most families end up with quite a bit of candy come November, which can encourage the type of regular snacking that leaves sugar in the mouth for long periods. Cavities are a problem that takes a while to develop, but consuming too much sugar will certainly make things worse.
The best thing to do is to have only a few pieces of candy a day. These should be eaten in one sitting rather than over the day. A few pieces of candy make a great replacement for your typical dessert.
Some candies are worse for your dental health than others, with a few dreaded by McAllen dentists. Treats that linger in the mouth, like hard candies and caramel, can be some of the worst. A simple rinse isn’t normally enough to wash away the sugars once you’ve enjoyed your treat.
Sour candies can also do damage to teeth and can temporarily make your enamel more vulnerable to damage. Sour candies are the most common type of acidic candy that can stick around and hide in the crevices of your teeth.
A bit of candy won’t cause cavities so long as you eat it in moderation and make sure to brush and floss after you enjoy them. Make sure your kids know the importance of brushing after they have candy.
Keep Up With Your Dental Health
Brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of your dental health. Make sure you brush twice daily and floss. If you eat something you know is damaging, like candy, you should brush and floss right afterward. This is very important after you enjoy a pack of gummies or caramel.
Adding a mouthwash or rinse to your routine will also help. Mouthwash can be used after brushing to help wash away anything you missed. You can also use mouthwash after you eat, particularly if you know you won’t have a chance to brush your teeth.
Your McAllen dentist can help you find the right mouthwash or rinse for you. If you don’t have any special rinse on you, a swish of water is perfect for keeping your teeth healthy.
You should make sure to only drink water when you have a meal or a treat. If you prefer something flavored, your dentist can help you find an option you’ll love.
Don’t Forget Your Dental Checkups with Heroes Dental
While brushing does help, a cleaning at your dentist’s office in your area can spot any potential problems while they are still easy to fix. The McAllen dentist at Heroes Dental can help you stay healthy after all those Halloween treats!
Don’t wait until your teeth hurt to schedule your dental checkup. Contact us today and get on top of your oral health.