Halloween is often recognized as the day of the year when candy is the main treat. From an oral health care standpoint, that’s not always a good thing. Maintaining your oral care at this time of the year (and the holidays that follow) may require a bit more attention to your needs. Our team at Lovett Dental Katy can help ensure your smile is always a priority without limiting your fun.
What to Do to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During Halloween
Halloween may be one day, but the candy consumption often continues for several days after. During that time, try to focus on your oral care a bit more. Because candy is full of sugar, it can feed bacteria quickly. That can cause a buildup of plaque on your teeth, increase the risk of gum disease developing, and even lead to cavities. There are a few things you can do to minimize these risks.
Eat Candy the Right Way
There are a few things to remember about candy on Halloween. First, limit how much is consumed at one time. It’s a good idea to control consumption for overall health but also to reduce the risk of it becoming damaging to your teeth. It is always a good idea to brush your teeth as soon as you finish eating any type of candy. This is on top of routine brushing and flossing at least twice a day.
Be sure to also improve the rest of your diet. Compensate for the candy by eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. This can help to give your immune system the boost it needs to deal with the bacteria growth from the high-sugar foods.
Pay Close Attention to What You Eat with Braces
If you have any type of dental appliance, pay close attention to the type of candy you are consuming. Dental appliances can include things like fillings, braces, and dentures. Hard candy is especially bad for those with these appliances because it can break off pieces or lead to damage to the tooth. In addition, some types of candy, such as sticky gum, taffy, or caramel, can be very hard to remove from dental braces. You may even find some candies, like those with hard nuts, can get lodged between your teeth and braces, creating a risk to them.
Schedule Dental Care in Our Office
By far, the most important step to take during Halloween is not to skip the teeth cleaning. Come in to see your dental care team after Halloween. Let us provide full teeth cleaning to remove all of the built-up plaque and bacteria present. This is also a good time to talk to us about any other dental care needs you may have.
Those who have existing dental problems or that have had cavities in the past may benefit from more oral care during high-risk times like Halloween. We may encourage you to come in for care, such as:
- General dental cleanings
- Fillings and sealants
- Dental fluoride treatments
- Root canals for cavities
- Orthodontics appointments as needed
Halloween may feel like a fun time of the year. It can be. You just need to ensure you maintain your oral care during this time. The good news is that our team can help you with teeth cleaning and general dental care even if you go overboard with the candy this year.
Explore the Care Options Available at Lovett Dental Katy
Halloween is a fun time for all, as long as you take care of your teeth. Our team at Lovett Dental Katy can answer all of your questions and ensure you get the smile you desire. For all of your oral care needs, call us at 832-437-6477 for an appointment.
