Halloween, Samhain, All-Hallow’s Eve. Whatever you celebrate on October 31st, there’s one element that seems to be universal among them all, the presence of sweet sugar-rich foods. The real horror story this time of year doesn’t come in a costume, but in the form of cavities that a week of binging on your Halloween haul can bring down the line. Every year dentist’s try to caution their patients to take care with their indulgences with a few great pieces of advice. If you’re trying to avoid the post-holiday cavity, these Halloween dental survival tips will help!
For A Dental Safe Sweet-Tooth Fixer, Chocolate Reigns Supreme
There are a mountain of tempting treats that appear this time of year, each of them bringing something unique to the table. If you want to indulge your sweet-tooth with holiday treats, but want to do it in a way that will protect your teeth, chocolate is the way to go. Chocolate isn’t good for your teeth, mind you, it is just the one that won’t directly damage your teeth or hang around like lollipops and other hard candies. You still have to brush, but at least you won’t be slow-feeding the bacteria in your mouth while you slowly dissolve that Gobstopper.
Sticky Candies Are The Enemy of Restorations
Restorations can withstand the majority of your year-long snacking, but a special enemy comes to town during the Halloween season. Caramels, toffees, taffies, and other chewy sticky candies have the potential to rip dental work straight out of your tooth. If you have crowns or fillings, then you’re going to want to avoid these kind of candies. You’ll also want to avoid hard candies if you have a habit of crunching into them before they melt away.
Apples Are Nature’s Way Of Sating a Sweet Tooth
A popular fruit this time of year is the apple. Freshly harvested off the tree or out of the produce section, these fruits are the ultimate Halloween sweet-tooth solution. When you indulge in an apple you’re scraping plaque and bacteria off your teeth while getting a burst of natural sugar that won’t hurt your teeth. Enjoy the sweet release of eating an apple and get whiter teeth as a result!
Your Dental Health Routine Should Be On Point
The most important element of avoiding cavities this time of year is good oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash nearly guarantee that you’ll avoid the worst of the Halloween cavity blues. It’s important that you maintain doing all of these steps properly to get the best results.
If you’re looking for more ways to avoid the dreaded Halloween cavity, or just want a refresher on how to properly brush and floss, make an appointment with us today! Dr. Victor Bustos helps patients like you prepare for the holiday season with a refresher in dental hygiene practices and a check-up to make sure your teeth are in good health. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 3D Dentistry in Bradenton, FL! We look forward to helping you prepare for a healthy Halloween season for you and your family!