Halloween is around the corner, which means lots of yummy free candy.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind before Halloween day!!!
Time It Right
- Eat Halloween candy with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles.
Stay Away from Sweet Snack
- Snacking can increase your risk for cavities
Choose Candy Carefully
- Avoid hard and sticky candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time.
- Sticky candy like caramel take longer to come off the surface of your teeth .
- Candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay
Have a Plan
Have your family pick their favorites and donate the rest .
Drink More Water
Drinking fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Your body is like a complex machine. The foods you choose as fuel and how often you “fill up” affect
your general health and that of your teeth and gums.
Stay Away from Sugary Beverages
This includes soda, sports drinks and flavored waters.
Chew Gum with the ADA Seal
Chewing sugarless gum for few minutes after meals helps reduce tooth decay,
This helps increase saliva flow which then helps wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by bacteria.
Xylitol in gum help prevent cavities : Spry gum or ice breaker gum are some options out there
Brush Twice a Day
Brush your teeth gently twice a day for two minutes if using an electrical toothbrush ( 4-5 if using a manual toothbrush) with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Remember, replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
Don’t forget to floss
Floss your teeth once a day before brushing and before bed time. Decay-causing bacteria get between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing helps remove and disrupt plaque and food particles from between the teeth .
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Sand Canyon Dental – Dentist in Irvine CA
References:
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-tips