Halloween is all about the candy—but what about the health of your smile? Everyone knows that sugar can be detrimental to one’s oral health. However, this doesn’t mean you have to nix candy forever! At Arcadia Dental Arts, Dr. John Pappas and his team believe in educating patients on how to enjoy their Halloween candy without derailing their oral health and wellness.
Understanding how sugar impacts the smile
Dr. John Pappas encourages patients to understand how sugar can rot away teeth and cause cavities. Sugar bonds with natural bacteria in the mouth, and when this happens, it can create acids. Acids are the enemy of natural tooth enamel, as it can erode the surface and cause large areas of decay. This means trouble for an otherwise healthy smile!
Tips for maintaining oral health after Halloween
Below are several recommendations for adults—and children!—when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums after the trick-or-treating has occurred!
- Brush and floss after consuming sugars. Because the conversation of sugars and bacteria to harmful acids take time, brushing and flossing immediately after eating candy can protect the smile.
- Minimize consumption of sugars. Lots of candy can be harmful to one’s health, and can also significantly impact patients who have diabetes and other conditions that are aggravated with sugars. Limit yourself and your children to one or two candy treats a day to minimize overall sugar intake.
- Trade out your candy. Many places “buy” candy by the pound, putting money in your pocket while donating the candy to military bases as a treat for those working to protect our country. This is a great way to minimize the amount of candy in the house while financially benefiting your children!
Enjoy those sweet treats while taking care of your smile!
If you are interested in learning more about oral health and wellness solutions with Dr. John Pappas, call Arcadia Dental Arts today to discuss your needs. The office is located at 4124 North 40th Street in Phoenix, Arizona, and is accepting new and current patients. Call (602) 957-9643 to get started working with our team of professionals!