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October is one of the happiest months of the year. Who doesn’t love beautiful fall weather, the colorful autumn leaves, and dressing up a bit for Halloween?
But there is one thing that lurks behind the annual candy-filled October celebration – a heightened risk of cavities!
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are holes that develop in a tooth when there is tooth decay. Certain foods make you more prone to developing cavities, and improper or insufficient cleaning can also lead to cavities – because food particles and bacteria that cause tooth decay are left sitting on and between the teeth.
The sugary goodies that we enjoy in October and after Halloween can cause cavities, and it’s important to help prevent them from developing.
Tips for Preventing Cavities
Below are some easy tips on how to avoid cavities this Halloween:
Tip 1: Avoid Sticky or Hard Candies
There are many different types and brands of candies that you can buy to hand out to trick-or-treaters, or those your child will get while going door-to-door. However, some candies are worse for your teeth than others.
To help avoid cavities, limit or avoid hard candies or candy with caramel. These candies are sticky and can easily get stuck in between teeth, which makes it difficult to remove and therefore can be left sitting between the teeth – causing decay.
Choose candy like milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead, which rinse out of the mouth more cleanly. They are more likely to melt in your mouth instead of getting lodged between teeth.
Tip 2: Use Mouthwash After Eating
Always rinse out your mouth after eating, especially after eating candy – and it’s ideal to rinse with mouthwash, although water will suffice if you don’t have mouth rinse handy. This will help to remove extra sugar and prevent tooth decay.
Tip 3: Make a Candy Bank
Candy banks are a great idea for you to teach children about eating in moderation – and it’s a good reminder for yourself, too!
This is how it works: Make a rule that anyone in your household can only take a certain number of candies per day from the Candy Bank. This will help control the amount of candy everyone eats.
Tip 4: Avoid Other Sugary Foods and Drinks
After Halloween, you and your family are likely to be consuming more candy than usual. While the trick-or-treating candy is still sitting around the house, use the candy as an after-dinner dessert instead of regular dessert. This will help keep your family’s sugar intake to a minimum.
Tip 5: Brush, Floss, and Rinse
Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are crucial to dental health – and right after Halloween, they become especially important. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing at least once a day will help to ensure you remove plaque and food particles from every corner of your mouth.
Family Dentistry in Oregon
A great way to help prevent cavities is to go to the dentist regularly. Be sure to see your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups to ensure optimal oral health.
If you are looking for a great dental team to support you in your dental care, consider 360 Dental. Whether you need routine dental care, braces, or dentures, 360 Dental has the knowledge and experience to treat you.
Call us today at (541) 689-1645 to make an appointment. You can also request an appointment here. We look forward to helping you and your family take care of those pearly whites!
