Dental Tips to Prevent Cavities from Halloween Treats

Wedding Resources

Authored By: Allison DiMatteo


The month of October – and especially Halloween – provides ample opportunity for youngsters and those young at heart to indulge in all kinds of sugary snacks and treats. Plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth, thrives on sugars found in candy, sweets and everyday foods. It is a major contributor to tooth decay.

Fortunately, dentists have several recommendations for children and adults during the Halloween season to help prevent the dental “tricks” otherwise known as toothaches and tooth decay that result from eating too many sugary treats.

First, before Halloween, it's a good idea to visit your child's dentist to have sealants applied to the grooves of the teeth. These very thin composite coatings are brushed onto the chewing surfaces of the permanent molars (which appear between ages six to 12) to protect the teeth from the effects of cavity-causing food particles.

Second, remember that there isn't a good time – day or night – to eat candy or sweets. Therefore, be sure that eating candy, especially sticky candy, is followed immediately by tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

If you or your children chew gum, brands sweetened with xylitol – such as Orbit or Trident – are better choices. Xylitol is a naturally produced, low-calorie sweetener that has been clinically proven to reduce cavities and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Dentists also recommend avoiding sticky candy, such as taffy, gummy bears and caramel, which can adhere to teeth. The stickiness makes it harder for saliva to wash away sugar, thereby leading to tooth decay.

Finally, remember that maintaining a proper diet is essential for good oral health. When and how often you consume sugary, sweet foods and beverages affects both your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. Talk to your dentist for more information about the effects of diet and nutrition on oral health.

[Updated October 2009]

 

 

 

 





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