Halloween is the most terrifying time of year, and this is especially true for dentists. In addition to the sudden surge of witches, werewolves, vampires, and ghouls running around, hundreds of metric tons of candy are given out to adults and children alike. As much as dental professionals love their jobs, they’d rather have the good advertising that comes from a patient’s healthy smile than have to treat countless dental health issues that could have been avoided. Here’s how to keep your child’s teeth from being devoured by the bacterial sugar monsters this Halloween.
It Is Best to Enjoy Candy at Mealtimes
Does the name Pavlov ring a bell? Your mouth steps up its saliva production when you’re eating a meal or even just anticipating doing so. Saliva is your mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay and other oral infections because it lubricates your teeth, reinforces them with minerals, and helps wash away bacteria and food particles. The increased saliva flow that comes during mealtime makes it the safest time to consume candy as it will help wash away sugary residues before they can accumulate.
Keep in mind that, during meals, sugary beverages like sodas, juice, and sports drinks can be just as bad or worse than candy. Make sure that water is the beverage of choice at the dinner table, as it will keep everyone hydrated enough for healthy saliva flow while also helping to dilute and wash away food debris and sugary residues in the mouth.
Sugar-Free Gum Can Help Clean Things Up
Not every piece of candy is going to be eaten around mealtimes. Luckily, chewing sugar-free gum can provide a similar effect by promoting saliva flow while also helping to dislodge stuck-in bits of food from the teeth. In fact, chewing sugar-free gum after eating is regarded as a great dental hygiene habit in any case. Look for the American Dental Association’s seal of approval on the package so you know you’re getting a good brand.
Make Sure Your Child Keeps Up with Their Oral Hygiene
October is a great month for your child to brush up on oral hygiene. Learning how to take care of one’s teeth early can make the difference between a lifetime with healthy teeth and one full of emergency dentist’s appointments and expensive, time-consuming dental work. An excellent daily oral hygiene routine includes brushing twice, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash. This will remove plaque, kill germs, and help keep your teeth strong after a hard day’s worth of chewing and smiling.
About the Practice
Collinsville Dental Associates has provided excellent and comprehensive dental health services to the community of Collinsville, VA for more than thirty years. Led by Drs. Christopher A. Payne, Joshua W. Irby, Albert L. Payne, Andrew J. Hessler, and Steven T. Bunn, the staff is dedicated to preserving teeth and creating gorgeous smiles for patients of all ages. Areas of expertise include family, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on avoiding dental emergencies due to Halloween candy, contact the office online or dial (276) 647-1494.