Last week we looked at how tooth decay can impact little smiles and offered a few preventive options to safeguard the teeth. Tonight, kids across the country will be heading out to gather candy by trick or treating (or trunk or treating). Even if you’re an adult, you might suddenly find a lot more candy around the house. How can you enjoy these sugary treats without putting your smile at risk?
Limit When You Eat Candy
Instead of snacking throughout the day, try to have your candy right after dinner. You can then drink water, which helps rinse away the sugar particles from the teeth. Limiting when you consume candy helps safeguard your smile from tooth decay.
Donate Excess Candy
You and your family can pick out a few pieces of your favorite candy and then donate them to charities such as Operation Gratitude, which then gives the candy to soldiers overseas. You can also allow your kids to trade the treats in to you for cash or possibly a toy. They are still rewarded for their door-to-door efforts while also reducing the risk of cavities forming.
Drink Water
In general, drinking water helps remove food particles and harmful bacteria, while soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks can actually promote tooth decay.
Always Brush and Floss
To really help your smile you should brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. You should brush for two minutes each session. You also need to floss your teeth once a day, preferably before going to bed. In addition to brushing and flossing, we also suggest scheduling a dental cleaning twice a year to remove plaque buildup from your teeth. If you have any questions about avoiding cavities, then contact our office today.