Have you already set up the creepy porch decorations for this month? Do you already have a scary costume picked out for your nightly adventures? With Halloween almost here, you’re likely excited to enjoy all the fun festivities, including munching on your favorite candies. However, you’ll still want to ensure that your teeth are safe, as sugary treats can wreak havoc on your smile if left unchecked. Read on to learn five tips about maintaining your oral health from your dentist in Kansas City!
#1: Choose Your Candies Wisely
While candy isn’t the best food for your teeth, some treats can be more harmful than others. When stocking up on your favorite treats, be sure to avoid those that are too hard or sticky. These can typically stay in your mouth longer, allowing your teeth to be covered in sugars for extended periods. Try munching on chocolates (preferably dark chocolate) as they will be much easier to wash away.
#2: Plan to Enjoy Your Candy During Mealtime
Instead of reaching for sugary treats every time you have the munchies, you should consider enjoying them during or after your meals. Not only will this keep you from constantly covering your teeth in sugars, but it’ll also promote healthy saliva production. This will allow you to naturally wash away bacteria and food particles, significantly reducing your risk of dental decay.
#3: Reduce Your Stash of Sugary Treats
Although enjoying your favorite candy isn’t bad itself, overindulging in them every minute can be problematic for your smile. To help limit yourself, you might consider keeping a certain amount of treats while giving away the rest. You can either donate them to an organization or keep them somewhere else for a later time.
#4: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
One of the best ways to maintain good oral health is to stick to a solid oral hygiene routine, especially during the spooky season. This should involve brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash often. Be sure to also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid wearing down your enamel and use fluoridated toothpaste to remineralize your pearly whites.
#5: Visit Your Dentist for Routine Checkups & Cleanings
Your dentist is your biggest ally when it comes to preserving your smile. By seeing them for checkups and cleanings every six months, they’ll be able to monitor your oral health and address any developing issues they might detect, such as cavities. They’ll also provide you with personalized preventive care so you can maintain healthy teeth and gums in the long run.
Be sure to stay on track with good oral health this Halloween season and beyond. Keep these few tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to enjoy a healthy, happy smile for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars studied at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He regularly seeks continuing education to refine his expertise and is also a proud member of several organizations such as the American Dental Association and the Greater Kansas City Dental Society. He offers a vast collection of high-quality services, including dental checkups/cleanings, gum disease therapy, and oral cancer screenings. If you’d like to schedule an appointment this spooky season, visit his website or call him at 816-781-8222.