Trick or Treat!

Oct 10th, 2021
Easton Dentists Nov 3rd, 2021

It is that time of the year when stores are setting out treats and costumes, so it’s a guarantee you’re already thinking about the mountains of candy that come with true start of the Halloween season.  Protecting your teeth during this time of year is critical, so here are a few tips and tricks to prepare you and your family for Candypalooza 2014.

  1. Brush!

This is something you may already do multiple times during the day.  If you don’t, you really should.  Brushing your teeth after consuming gooey and sticky foods and candy will help cut down on the build up that hides on your gums during the day.  The trick is to wait 30 minutes after eating that candy to brush.  The acidity from the candy can soften your enamel and if you don’t allow adequate time, you may find yourself brushing your enamel away.

  1. Floss!

Flossing your teeth after eating those delicious chocolate bars will get the remaining candy out of those places your brush can’t reach.  This will help prevent gum disease and gingivitis.

  1. Use Mouthwash!

Grab that mouthwash and swish a rinse.  It will add to that freshly brushed sensation and move build up right out.

  1. Give out fruits and veggies instead of candy!

While it might not seem as much fun to hand out fruit instead of candy, it’s infinitely better for the little trick-or-treaters tromping around your neighborhood hoarding the sugary stuff.  Buying pre-packaged apple slices or carrots will run your costs a smidge higher but parents are certain to thank you for not adding to their child’s imminent sugar rush.

Your Columbus dentist wants your smile to sparkle this holiday season and adhering to the usual standards will surely keep you smiling.

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Dental Care, Healthy Halloween | No Comments »

Halloween Candy – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Oct 1st, 2021
Easton Dentists Nov 3rd, 2021

We understand, it’s Halloween, and you are surrounded by candy.  You want to eat all the candy.   But let’s try to keep our health and smiles in mind when we go digging into those pumpkin baskets for the sugar and the chocolate.  To have your cake and eat it too, it’s best to pace yourself and skip over some of the worst options.

THE GOOD

  1. Dark Chocolate – Chocolate does contain a lot of sugar but many studies show that the antioxidants in dark chocolate are actually good for the heart and may lower blood pressure.  As long as you’re eating it in moderation.

  1. Sugar-free Lollipops and hard candies – These yummy snacks actually stimulate saliva which prevents dry mouth.  Dry mouth allows plaque to build up which can lead to an increased risk of cavities.

  1. Sugar-free gum – In addition to increasing saliva, gum can dislodge food particles from teeth which can help prevent cavities.

THE BAD

  1. Sugary Snacks – Halloween favorites like candy corn contain a huge amount of sugar which leads to tooth decay.

  1. Chewy Sweets – Gummy candies are delicious but the remains gets stuck in your teeth and are a serious source of tooth decay.

  1. Sticky Sweets – Dried fruits may seem like a healthy choice to hand out for Halloween but as with chewy sweets, these fruits stick to your teeth and make it very hard for saliva to wash remains away.  Fresh fruits are the way to go if you’re going with the alternative route.

THE UGLY

  1. Sour Candies – Did you guess this one?  Sour candies tend to be on the most overlooked candies on the danger list.  These candies have high levels of acid which can break down tooth enamel very quickly.  That immediate response your mouth has to produce a lot of saliva is a good thing – saliva restores the natural balance of acid in your mouth.

This Halloween, remember that moderation is key.  Enjoy those sweets but make sure you’re taking good care of your teeth all year.  Schedule your cleaning appointment with Easton Dentist in Columbus today and we’ll make sure you stay on track.

Posted in Candy, Cavity Prevention, Healthy Halloween | No Comments »