Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

We get it, kids and adults alike love candy and sweet treats. Halloween is one of the major holidays where candy is the star. As your kids come home with a bucket or bag full of candy, you may already be worried about their oral health or the consequences of too much sugar. Your Bloomsburg dentists have some oral health tips to keep you and your kid’s teeth healthy this Halloween.

Get it over with

Believe it or not, but it’s actually best to eat a designated amount of candy all at once, instead of snacking on it throughout the day. Many times, parents think that having some here and there between meals is not going to harm their child’s teeth. In reality, it’s not always about the quantity of sugar, but the consistency, when it comes to your teeth. So, you are better off to consume a few pieces in one sitting and be done with it for the rest of the day than you are to snack on it throughout the day.

Drink water

It’s always best to rinse out your mouth with some water after eating candy. This way, it not only helps prevent dry mouth but it also rinses away bacteria and residual sugar that may be lingering on your teeth. Drink plenty of water while eating candy, and between meals. This is especially helpful if you are not able to brush right away after consuming candy.

Brush your teeth

There is a good reason why the American Dental Association recommends that we brush our teeth at least two times a day. Going to bed with food particles and sugar all over your teeth only encourages the growth of harmful bacteria that leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Instead, always brush your teeth before bed so that you can reduce your risks of these dental diseases.

Avoid sticky or chewy candies

Taffy, Starbursts, caramel, and bubblegum are all considered the worst offenders for your teeth. These chewy, sticky candies stick to your teeth and can be difficult to brush out of the tiny crevices of your molars. These candies could be especially harmful to anyone wearing braces as it could damage the brackets or wires.

Chew sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol can help reduce your risk of cavities. If you aren’t able to brush your teeth after consuming a helping of candy, pop a piece of sugar-free gum in your mouth instead. While it won’t have the same effects as teeth brushing, it’s better than nothing and will buy you some time until you get home and can brush your teeth.

See the dentist

Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth while at home, the ADA recommends that everyone see their dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. This way, if you do develop a cavity or show signs of gum disease, we can stop it in its tracks before the problem escalates into a bigger issue. To learn more about ways to protect your oral health or that of your child, please contact your family dentist in Bloomsburg at (570) 387-0533.

Hamilton Dental Care serves patients in the communities of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.