At Halloween, whether you have children of your own or decided to pass out candy to trick-or-treaters, there’s likely a stash in your house. While it’s fine to indulge, it’s important to take excellent care of your teeth in the process to prevent your household from becoming one filled with cavities! Read on for four oral health tips to help prevent decay this Halloween and keep all of your favorite smiles on the right track.
Schedule Your Family’s Checkups & Cleanings
If you and your family haven’t been to your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning yet, around the holidays is the perfect time to go! At these appointments, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth to determine if any lingering oral health problems need to be treated. This will keep problems like cavities and gum disease from getting worse as you enjoy sweet treats and delicious meals throughout October, November, and December. They’ll conclude your visit with a professional dental cleaning, helping your smile feel refreshed, healthy, and brighter.
Stick to a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
One of the most important ways to prevent cavities is to maintain a good dental hygiene routine at home as you’re enjoying your Halloween sweets. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, the American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash.
Avoid Snacking on Sweets
Your saliva is responsible for rinsing away sugars, carbohydrates, and food debris from your mouth throughout the day. However, by snacking on candy regularly, it will have to work overtime to make sure your teeth aren’t continuously exposed to cavity-causing ingredients. Instead of snacking on sweets, try enjoying them during your regular mealtimes to limit your teeth’s exposure to sugar.
Stay Hydrated with Water
Just like your saliva, water is a great way to help cleanse your mouth of harmful cavity-causing debris like sugar. If you have a habit of staying hydrated with sports drinks or other sugary flavored beverages, it may be time to switch to water instead. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will also limit the amount of sugar your mouth is exposed to, helping minimize your chances of cavity development.
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino is a passionate dentist who has treated generations of patients in Medford. With several decades of experience under his belt, he’s able to offer truly comprehensive dental care, ranging from routine preventive services to more specialized treatments, like dental implants. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Giamberardino Dental Care’s website or call 781-396-3800.