The Halloween season is approaching. Soon adults and children will enjoy the one-time of year that it is acceptable to eat excessive amounts of candy. Halloween treats are hard to avoid during the month of October. They are often brought into offices, home from children’s classrooms, and sold in large, oversized bags for trick-or-treaters.
It is difficult and nearly impossible to resist eating Halloween treats at all times, but it is possible and important to make wise choices. Consuming too much candy can lead to tooth erosion, cavities, and other dental damages.
Specific types of Halloween treats can be more damaging to your teeth than others. Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty Halloween treats that can be enjoyed without causing excessive damage to your teeth. In the following Halloween guide, dental professionals share which treats to avoid, what you should choose, and how to keep your teeth clean and healthy this Halloween season.
Halloween treats that do not come off easily or stay in the mouth for longer than necessary are bad for the teeth.
Examples of these teeth destroying Halloween treats include:
The worst types of Halloween treats are hard, chewy, sticky, and acidic candies.
Hard candies are loaded with sugar and spend too much time on your teeth. There is also the potential for chipping and/or breaking teeth when you choose to bite them. These include lollipops, hard disc candies, and peppermints.
Anything that is chewy is never a good idea for your dental health. These treats stick to your teeth for longer periods of time, increasing the potential for excessive damage. Even after brushing, there are often pieces left behind in the crevices of the teeth. Examples include airheads and gummies.
Candies that contain a high amount of citric acid destroy teeth quicker than other types of treats. These include lemon candies, lime candies, and sour candy.
There are also several well-known seasonal treats to avoid, including include candy corn, popcorn balls, and caramel apples.
Halloween treats that can be enjoyed without causing excessive damage to your teeth, include:
Chocolate is one of the best types of candy to consume without causing excess damage to your teeth. This is because chocolate does not stick and washes off easily. Be sure that the chocolates you choose do not contain caramel or hard nougat.
Chewing gum and nuts are both good for teeth because they encourage a healthy mouth. These treats actually help to remove excess sugar off of the teeth.
Dental hygiene is a crucial element for protecting your teeth this Halloween season. Drinking water after consuming the recommended treats and brushing afterward is important. If you consume candy that dental professionals recommend be avoided then you must take additional steps to keep your mouth clean.
There are important dental hygiene practices that should be followed after eating any treat, especially ones that are sticky, hard, and/or chewy.
Dental professionals recommend:
Practicing good dental hygiene is the best way to enjoy the Halloween season while preventing the destruction of your teeth.
Halloween treats can become tempting at any time or location throughout the season. Adults often bring treats into the office, children bring candy home from school, and it’s easier to find yourself buying bags of excess Halloween candy this time of year. It’s impossible to always turn down these treats. The important thing is to be sure that you do not leave sugary treats sitting on your teeth longer than necessary.
Drinking lots of water is the best way to keep sugar from sticking to the teeth. The best way to be sure that you consume plenty of water is to keep a bottle with you throughout the day. This is a good decision every day for numerous other reasons, but especially important during October.
If attending any Halloween festivities remember that darker alcoholic beverages can stain teeth, including dark rum or red wines. Be sure to bring plenty of water to wash these off.
You can prevent destroying your teeth by planning ahead. Schedule a professional cleaning for after the holiday. A cleaning and evaluation of your teeth will ensure that they are strong, clean, and healthy. Contact the professionals at New York Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your post-holiday dental cleaning.
It is important to seek immediate care if you experience dental issues. These could include chipped teeth, cavities, or any other unpleasant dental symptoms. Neglecting to seek early dental care can potentially escalate to a serious problem.
The excessive damages that can result are often painful and expensive to correct. This is why it is best to seek care as soon as something looks or feels like a problem.
Dr. Braverman and his team of dental professionals at New York City Cosmetic Dentistry provide patients with world-renowned care and service. They offer a range of top-rated procedures to help their patients achieve award-winning smiles.
Reach out to New York City Cosmetic Dentistry today if you need a smile makeover, other services, or to schedule your post-Halloween cleaning.
