Don’t let Halloween goodies leave you with frightening teeth! Follow Hamilton, NJ dentist Dr. Ricciardi’s 5 tips for getting through Halloween with a healthy smile.
This time of year is filled with sugary snacks. So, it’s super important that your family not to skip out on your bi-annual teeth cleanings and dental exams. Have you made your appointments yet? Call 609-752-3293 and Dr. Ricciardi and his team will see you and your family soon!
Tip #1: Drink A Lot Of Water
Lots of great dental health benefits can be had by drinking water.
- If you live in Mercer County, your water likely has fluoride in it. Fluoride has been proven to strengthen the enamel of your teeth, so they’re more resistant to cavities. If your water isn’t fluorinated or you’d like to maximize what fluoride can do for your teeth, we can apply a fluoride treatment or varnish to your teeth.
- Water also helps wash away any remnants of anything you’ve eaten. By drinking water with your meals and snacks, there’ll be less left behind to feed the bacteria in your mouth that causes tooth decay.
- Unlike juices, sodas, and sugary drinks, water can’t harm your teeth in any way.
- Water helps keep your mouth moisturized and maintain a healthy level of saliva. Saliva does a lot of work protecting the wellbeing of your teeth and gums.
Tip #2: Don’t Forget To Brush!
Halloween can be a long night filled with fun and lots of candy and sweets. But don’t drift off without brushing your teeth first. It’s crucial that you brush your teeth twice a day for the health of your teeth and gums.
Brushing helps fight the battle against the naturally occurring biofilm over our teeth that turns into plaque and can harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional and if left unchecked causes tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
When we sleep, our mouth produces less saliva. Less saliva means bacteria can become plentiful and cause more damage. Brushing your teeth before bed helps drastically reduce the bacteria in your mouth and the risk it poses to your teeth and gums. On a night like Halloween where you’ve enjoyed lots of sugar it’s especially important to brush before bed – and floss too!
Tip #3: Eat Your Vegetables
Eating your veggies is always a safe bet.
- Vegetables include many nutrients that have been shown to bolster the health of your teeth like calcium, vitamin C, and iron.
- Veggies are sugar-free, so you can eat as much as you’d like without worrying about them attacking your teeth.
- Many vegetables like celery are rich in fiber that can help clean your teeth between brushings.
- Vegetables are water-rich, so they won’t leave your mouth dry after eating. And we already discussed all of the great benefits of water for your dental health.
Tip #4: Boycott Hard Or Sticky Candies
Candy corn, taffy, and lollipops can be popular candy picks this time of year, but they are also incredibly bad for your teeth. Sticky candy tends to get stuck in your teeth and can even damage hardware like braces or your dental bridge. Hard candy extends the amount of time of sugar’s presence in your mouth.
So, what’s left? Dark chocolate is a somewhat healthier choice and if you must indulge in sticky or hard candies, then choose the sugar-free variety. We also advise against sour candy. The combo of sugar and aid packs a double whammy against your enamel.
Tip #5: Eat Your Candy Alongside Your Meal
If you enjoy your sweets alongside a healthy meal, it’s easier to enjoy them in moderation. You’ll also be less tempted to try to make a meal out of a mountain of candy bars and bubblegum. Be sure to collect your children’s candy, so you can make sure they don’t snack on it throughout the day.
Be sure you wash your meal down with a big glass of water not juice and especially not soda. When partnered with sweets, a drink that also contains a lot of sugar in it can be even more harmful to the health of your teeth. If possible, brush your teeth shortly after finishing your meal.
The Most Important Tip Of All: Schedule An Exam With Dr. Ricciardi
Dr. Ricciardi and his team of dental professionals are your best defense against gummi goblins and sugar ghouls this Halloween season. Call us at 609-752-3293 to schedule your appointment for a teeth cleaning or preventive services like fluoride treatments and dental sealants.