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It’s Halloween, and this means that, along with an influx of super cute costumes, you’re likely to be indulging in more sweet treats! Our Troy dentists know that candy is everywhere this time of year, and we also know that candy can really take a toll on your smile. That’s why we are here to share some helpful tips on how to minimize candy’s effect on your smile this time of year.
First of all, make sure that you’re still consuming the healthy stuff along with sugary treats. This especially applies to eating crunchy vegetables and drinking plenty of water. When you snack on crunchy veggies, like carrots and celery, you prompt saliva production and you scrape plaque from your dental surfaces. And staying hydrated is crucial for empowering your body to make saliva; saliva naturally battles bacteria and works to re-mineralize dental enamel.
Also, be mindful of the times that you enjoy chewy and gummy candies. Things like caramel and gummy bears can get stuck between your teeth and give oral bacteria lots of material to feed on. Make it a point to clear away any dental debris right after you eat; it is best to use gentle floss to do this, rather than harsh toothpicks, as these can actually damage your gum tissue.
Another thing that many people do not know is that it actually matters when/how you enjoy candy throughout the day. You can eat the same amount of candy, but if you snack on it continuously throughout the day, you give oral bacteria more of a chance to feed on sugars and grow. Oral bacteria stay active and feeding for about 20 to 30 minutes after you finish eating; so, if you snack on candy all day, that means that oral bacteria are basically able to feed all day long.
Our Troy dentists are happy to provide you with any additional information you need about how to care for your smile at home and with professional dental treatments. Give us a call to get started!