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Follow the Orthodontist’s Halloween Advice!
THE REASON SUGAR is so dangerous for our oral health is that harmful oral bacteria love eating it as much as we do, and then they excrete acid onto our teeth. Tooth enamel might be the strongest substance in the human body, but even weak acids can erode it, which is why dentists encourage us to avoid sour, sticky, and hard Halloween candy.
Candy Don’ts
We recommend avoiding hard, sticky and sour candy. Hard candy is like a slow-release sugar delivery system for all that bacteria, keeping them active for a long period of time. Sticky candy is a problem because it puts the sugar directly against our teeth and gums. Plus both hard and sticky candy will likely break your braces and other fixed orthodontic appliances! Additionally, sour candy contains plenty of its own acid, so that’s like cutting out the middleman!
Candy Dos (Yes, They Exist!)
What Halloween treats are left? Chocolate is a pretty good option! It contains compounds that slow down tooth decay, limit oral bacteria, and fight bad breath. However, these polyphenols and flavonoids do not outweigh the effects of sugar, which is why dentists are bigger fans of dark chocolate than milk chocolate.
Any candy sweetened by xylitol instead of sugar is definitely better for teeth. Xylitol actually hurts oral bacteria. These candies are not super common in 2024, but hopefully that will change in the future.
If you do indulge in a sweet chocolate treat be sure to use mouthrinse and brush thoroughly soon after you are done to remove any remnant sugar and neutralize the pH in your mouth. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, be sure to also use your waterpik regularly to keep your gums healthy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D050cgCZaw
Look After Your Teeth With a Dental Visit
Whatever candy you end up enjoying on Halloween and the first few days of November, it’s always a great idea to schedule a professional dental cleaning and check-up with your pediatric or general dentist. We hope that you have a SPOOKtacular Halloween!