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With the air getting chilly and the leaves changing colors, you can probably tell that the spooky season is upon us. Now that Halloween is coming up, you’ll likely be excited to enjoy some horror flicks, visit haunted houses, and munch on your favorite candies. While the festivities make for a fun holiday, many of these sweet treats can wreak havoc on your oral health. And if you have a strong sweet tooth, it can be difficult to preserve your pearly whites this time of year. Read on to learn how you can keep your sugar cravings at bay this Halloween from your dentist in Highland Park!
How Does Candy Impact My Dental Health?
Nearly everyone knows how detrimental sugar can be to teeth. Each time you munch on a sweet treat, the natural cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth will start to feed on the particles. This will create harmful byproducts that eat away at your enamel, leaving them more susceptible to future issues like decay, cavities, and gum disease. While Halloween candy isn’t typically the best food for your smile, some of them can be more harmful than others. For instance, snacks that last longer in your mouth (like lollipops and jawbreakers) can cause much more damage to your teeth by prolonging their exposure to sugar.
3 Tips for Managing My Halloween Sweet Tooth
Do you tend to have an irresistible urge to snack on your Halloween candy? Here are several tips to help you keep your cravings at bay.
Try Limiting Your Candy Stash
Before heading out with the family to trick-or-treat, you might consider creating a detailed plan on minimizing how many sweet treats you stash on Halloween night. You might allow everyone to keep a certain amount of treats while donating the remainder. You can even reduce the number of houses you and your children visit, as well as encourage the little ones to trade most of their sugary snacks for non-candy prizes.
Choose Healthier Alternatives
While it’s easy to choose sugary treats to snack on, try reaching for healthier alternatives. These can include fresh fruit, which contains natural sugars that aren’t as harmful to your oral health. It’s also a good idea to try munching on sugar-free versions of your favorite candy, that way you can feed your sweet tooth without hurting your smile.
Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet
Though it’s Halloween season, you’ll want to still keep a healthy diet filled with vitamin-rich options. Make sure to include fruits and veggies, whole grains, dairy products, and lean proteins in your meals to keep you filled. You’ll feel much less tempted to reach for a bucket of candy if you do.
Don’t leave your pearly whites hanging even on Halloween night! Keep these few tips in mind, and you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite candy while maintaining a cavity-free smile in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Girish Sandadi earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He’s also a member of several groups like the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. He offers a wide variety of high-quality services, including dental checkups/cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, and periodontal therapy. If you’d like to set up an appointment, visit his website or call 214-528-9990.