It’s that time of year—soon our houses will be inundated with candy and sweet treats! As you’d imagine, indulging in yummy candy during Halloween can really take a toll on your smile. Our Santa Monica dentists have some tips for you on how you can make good decisions for your smile this fall—keep reading to learn more.
So, we have to start by saying that the more you can limit the amount of candy that you consume, the better off your smile will be. Remember that harmful oral bacteria love to feed on sugars and refined carbohydrates; these substances allow bacteria to multiply and grow.
When you do eat some candy, try to make sure that you are drinking plenty of water to help counteract the effects. Water is so good for your smile; when you are properly hydrated, your body produces saliva, which works to re-mineralize dental enamel. So drink up!
Also, you should try to eat candy in such a way as to limit the amount of time that sugars can damage your smile. One way to do this is to eat candy at the end of a meal; while you eat your meal your mouth will be inundated with saliva. So, when you do enjoy a piece of candy, your mouth is ready to minimize the potential problems. It is also recommended that you consume candy at short, specific times during the day, rather than eating a little bit throughout the day. Oral bacteria are active, and feeding on sugars, for about 20 to 30 minutes after you eat. Don’t give oral bacteria a lot of chances to infiltrate your smile!
Proper oral hygiene care, both at-home and in-office, will help you clear away newly developed plaque, so don’t skimp on your oral hygiene routine! To learn more about how candy affects your smile, and how you can care for your oral health, please contact our Santa Monica dentists!