Nine “Tricks” for Healthier “Treats”

October is here and you know what that means . . . store shelves are lined with bags upon bags of candy for those expecting trick-or-treaters at the end of the month.  Whether you’re handing out the treats, sifting through your children’s candy or both, try these nine tricks to avoid any scary dental issues.

  1. Limit the candy to shortly after mealtime. When you eat a meal, it increases the saliva in your mouth, which helps rinse away bacteria and excess food.
  1. Try to skip the hard and sticky candy. These kinds of treats stick to teeth and are hard to remove, causing a higher risk of cavities.
  1. Drink water! Water (best if fluoridated) can help wash that sugar out of your mouth, working along with saliva to keep your teeth clean.
  1. Keep eating a healthy diet. Sugary snacks may give you short term fuel for energy, but you really need to eat balanced meals to get the nutrients you need.  The plus side is that a healthy meal can fill you up and hopefully you won’t eat as much of those Halloween treats.
  1. Stay away from sugary drinks like sodas or sports drinks. These drinks add to your risk of tooth decay on a regular basis, but when added to candy, you really need to watch out.
  1. Chew sugarless gum after meals to help lower your chance for cavities. Chewing gum increases your saliva, protecting your teeth. Make sure the gum is ADA approved.
  1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, if not more often on heavy candy days. Of course, use a fluoride toothpaste and really rinse well.
  1. Floss those pearly whites to ensure you are getting all of that sugar out of your mouth. Candy can get stuck between your teeth and other hard to reach places in your mouth.
  1. Come visit Dr. Cash! A good check-up and teeth cleaning is imperative after this season of sugar.

Dr. Cash and his staff wish you all a safe and “healthier” Halloween.  Following these tips will help ensure that your next visit with us is a happy one. Don’t forget that we are here to answer any of your questions – just give us a call!

(source: mouthhealthy.org)