Avoid a Dental Nightmare This Halloween
Tricks to Making the Most of Your Halloween Candy
There are more opportunities to eat candy during the Halloween season than at any other time of year. Because we know the effects candy has on oral health and because we have some of the biggest sweet tooths around, we dental professionals think of ourselves as candy experts. Even though we can’t morally advise you to never consume candy (particularly around Halloween), we would want to share some vital information that will enable you to enjoy some of the season’s delectable delights while maintaining the healthiest possible teeth. The greatest method to maintain excellent dental hygiene and still satisfy your sweet tooth is to consume the proper kinds of candies in moderation. How? Read on.
Not Every Candy Is Made Equal
There are many devoted fans of each unique brand of sweet delicacy. We all have a favorite candy that is too excellent to share, whether it be SnickersTM, M&M’sTM, SkittlesTM, StarburstTM, Laffy TaffyTM, or any of the other candies. Unfortunately, your stomach might not like the same candies that make your teeth happy. In the end, candy that is soft and/or sugar-free causes the least damage to your teeth.
Reasons Why Candy Can Damage Your Teeth
You’ve undoubtedly heard that sugar is terrible for your teeth your entire life, but have you ever wondered why? Our dental specialists explain it to you in simple terms:
Sugar. The word sugar. Bacteria, which thrive on the quantity of sugar that candy supplies, are the primary cause of almost all dental issues. Everything you eat contributes to some tooth buildup. Food remains in your mouth for a short while after eating and drinking. Sugar causes the most harm to your teeth out of all the foods we consume. Even nutritious meals like milk, bread, and produce have a small amount of natural sugar, but they also have essential vitamins and nutrients. When consumed in moderation, your body easily breaks down the natural sugars along with the other food particles on your teeth. When you consume food that contains more sugar than nutritious value, issues start to arise. Your body might not be able to combat the bacteria and decay that too much sugar consumption generates in your mouth without the right nourishment. The American Heart Association advises limiting your daily sugar intake to 9.5 teaspoons. The average child in the US, however, drinks 32 teaspoons daily, compared to 22 teaspoons for adults. You can probably guess how much higher those figures are if there is a supply of Halloween sweets available.
Consistency. Candy comes in many shapes and sizes, but because of its common constituents, it attaches to your teeth and promotes the formation of more plaque in more exposed regions. After eating, plaque starts to build within 20 minutes. By turning the food you consume into acid thanks to microorganisms in your mouth, plaque erodes the tooth’s enamel and causes cavities. Sticky sweets offer the ideal conditions for these dangerous bacteria to flourish and make it more difficult for you to get rid of them using standard hygiene techniques like rinsing and brushing.
Addictiveness. Candy is made to make us ignore our better judgment and become so alluring that we eat an excessive amount of it. It also works! Since our brains are wired to respond positively to sugar intake, many sweets have the potential to become as addictive as any other substance. Numerous research that addresses the addictiveness of sugar has recently been released. According to these studies, sugar is just as addictive as substances like cocaine and heroin. The authors of these studies cite research demonstrating that when given the option, lab rats are just as likely if not more so, to select sugary goodies like Oreos over injections of medications like morphine. This is a direct outcome of the relationship between sugar and dopamine, the chemical our brains manufacture to experience pleasure and reward. Though it might not be nice, it’s a good thing to remember when you grab for the fifth candy bar from your child’s trick-or-treat bag.
The following is a succinct description of the risks that candy presents from the American Dental Association: Plaque is a sticky, filmy substance that develops when germs are not controlled. Your teeth begin to erode and lose tooth minerals as the plaque on them releases a dangerous acid. A cavity develops when the tooth’s structural integrity is compromised due to enough damage. Too much sweets consumption expedites this process and creates the conditions for more harm.
How can I indulge in candy while preserving my oral health?
The greatest candy for your teeth is one which is simple to chew and swallow. Candy that is hard and sticky sticks to the teeth longer, causes more damage and interferes with dental work. Patients who have lost a crown to a sticky dessert frequently tell us about it. Your best option for Halloween is to choose soft candy or chocolates that can be readily removed with water (and on that note, avoid making the situation worse by consuming sugary soft beverages). Above all, keep up your regular flossing and at least twice-daily brushing throughout this candy-focused season. You should brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible after consuming sugary food since, as previously discussed, plaque starts to build in approximately 20 minutes. Try, at the very least, to immediately after consuming candy, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
Call us right away or ask us at your next appointment if you have any questions about your diet and dental health. Enjoy a safe and joyous Halloween as well!