Whether you are giving out the candy, or watching little ones collect it, candy comes out by the pumpkin full this time of year. Here are a few tips to keep the whole families’ teeth in top shape
Timing is Important
Eat Halloween candy with meals or shortly after. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles.
Choose Candy Carefully
Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay active in your mouth for a long time. Aside from how often you snack, the length of time sugary candy is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay.
Avoid Sticky Situations
Sticky candies cling to your teeth. The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay.
Brush Twice a Day
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with an ADA-accepted toothpaste. Remember, replace your toothbrush every three or four months. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth, especially if you have had extra candy.
Floss
Floss your teeth once a day. Decay-causing bacteria get between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Visit Your Dentist!
Regular visits can help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur early, when they are easy to “treat”.