Keep Teeth Healthy This Halloween
We cannot believe that Halloween is right around the corner! It feels like we were just watching fireworks during the summer! We know that all around us are spooky decorations and scary movies! We wouldn’t want your oral health to give you a fright too. This time of year is well known for an abundance of sweets and sugary drinks. Unfortunately, they can quickly wreak havoc on your teeth and lead to a number of problems.
Reasons to Limit Sugar
Each time you eat sugar, some of it lingers on your teeth. Over time, the lingering sugar turns into acid and begins to eat away at your tooth enamel, causing cavities. One way to help prevent problems is to be diligent with your oral hygiene routine. Be sure that you are brushing and flossing every day to avoid experiencing tooth decay.
Ways to Keep Teeth Healthy
If you have a sweet tooth, this time of year can be extremely difficult. It seems like there are temptations all around. One important thing to remember is that sugar is not just in candy and desserts. It can also be found in your favorite snacks and beverages. Specialty coffee drinks, especially pumpkin spice, are extremely popular this time of year. Many of these beverages have more sugar than your favorite candy bar! Be mindful the next time you order your favorite beverage and choose an alternative that has less sugar. Other ways to keep teeth healthy include:
- Choosing chocolate or sweets that melt easily over sticky or chewy treats
- Avoiding treats that will stick to teeth such as fruit snacks, caramel, and taffy
- Drinking plenty of water to wash away lingering bacteria
- Brushing as soon as possible
- Distributing non-candy treats like stickers, pencils, or Play-Doh
- Donating leftover candy to the troops or a non-profit organization
If you are in Burton, MI or the surrounding area and have questions about how to properly clean your teeth or need to schedule an appointment be sure to contact our office. We are happy to help you keep your teeth from experiencing any frights this Halloween.