Halloween night is a big deal to a lot of families. Kids and some parents will spend weeks if not months planning the perfect costume, whether it’s for trick-or-treating or a party.
Either way, you are likely to find yourself facing piles or large bowls filled with candy around this holiday. We realize the temptation of easy sweets is hard to resist, but with some preparation, you can keep your healthy smile intact and cavity-free.
Our team at Wayne Dental Care is sharing a few tips to help you navigate the candy haul that’s coming. This includes practicing preventive care, such as getting professional dental cleanings and exams at our office in Wayne, PA. Call 610-227-6143 to make your next appointment with us, and keep reading to learn a few tips that could help you this Halloween.
Set Limits
One of the best things you can do before your kids come home with bags full of candy is to talk about setting limits. By having a discussion about how much candy you will keep and how much candy is acceptable in one day, you can help yourself and your kids avoid eating too much.
You know that your kids will bring home more candy than they and you should eat. Knowing this, make plans to give away the extra candy. Many organizations accept candy as a donation. One example of this is Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to military members who are stationed overseas.
Then, when you have a “reasonable” amount of candy in your home, you can discuss how much candy can be eaten in a day or in one sitting, so you and your kids can reduce the risk of overindulging.
Have Some Water
You already know that candy has high amounts of sugar. For the bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay, that sugar provides fuel. When that sugar remains on your teeth or stuck between teeth, bacteria have more time to use it.
One of the simplest ways to rinse the candy from your smile is to eat candy after a meal (when you are already producing saliva). Drinking a glass of water while you eat candy also aids in rinsing away candy particles.
The kind of candy you eat can make a difference as well. Sticky candies are more likely to cling to your teeth. Caramels and gummies are both types of candies that can be more difficult to remove. On the other hand, chocolates can be easier to clean off your smile. This is just something to keep in mind when choosing your after-dinner snack.
Protect Your Teeth
Of course, keeping up a consistent oral care routine makes a big difference as well. You need to continue brushing your teeth twice per day. Flossing daily is equally important since that is how you clean the spaces between your teeth.
And you should continue to make regular visits to Wayne Dental Care a part of your oral hygiene routine. Your healthy smile is our business.
Just call 610-227-6143 or contact us online to plan your next visit with us.