Sugar Can Be SCARY For Your teeth!
October is here, which means that many of us are enjoying fall fun such as football games, pumpkin picking, and preparing for Halloween. Halloween is a favorite for many because of all the spooky decorations, costumes, and movies. While we aren’t all easily scared by movies or costumes, we are frightened of the effect extra candy and added sugar consumed during this time of year can have on your oral health. The results of added sugar on teeth can be dangerous to adults and children, so everyone in your family is at risk. We have created some simple tips to help ensure you don’t have any oral frights this Halloween season. Read on to learn more.
The Scary Truth about Sugar and Your Teeth
We all know that sugar is bad for your oral health. We have been learning this fact for many years, along with the importance of brushing and maintaining proper oral hygiene. As with any other food, sugar is best when consumed in moderation. The concern during Halloween is the overabundance of sugar eaten in a short amount of time. Decay can easily creep in and wreak havoc on the teeth. This can especially be dangerous for children who may not have the best brushing practices.
Tips to Help Limit the Sugar on Your Teeth
While it can be difficult to avoid sugar, especially during this time of year, there are certain precautions that you can take to help avoid the likelihood of decay building on the teeth leading to cavities and other dental concerns. We recommend:
- Visiting our office every six months for a hygiene examination and cleaning
- Limit or avoid sugary drinks such as soda, fruit juice, and sports drinks
- Drink extra water after eating anything with a high sugar content
- Brush teeth as soon as possible after a meal or eating foods with sugar
- Chew sugar-free gum to help with saliva production
- Assist children with brushing and cleaning their teeth properly
If you have not visited our office within the past six months, we recommend calling our office located in Terre Haute, IN to schedule an appointment today. We can ensure that your oral health is on the right track!