Happy Halloween! Keep These Tips From Our Mount Prospect Dentist In Mind

As Halloween approaches, it’s a good idea to have a game plan for how you’re going to deal with the influx of candy in your house! We know that it can be tempting to go crazy eating candy this time of year, but this can really wreak havoc on your smile. Our Mount Prospect dentists have put together this list of tips on how to manage your oral health this Halloween-keep reading to learn more.
So let’s say that you are going to indulge in some candy after trick-or-treating-what can you do to help protect your smile?

1. Water, Water, Water

Make a point to drink plenty of water this time of year, so that you stay hydrated. When you’re hydrated, your body is able to produce saliva. Saliva helps your smile by neutralizing bacteria and re-mineralizing dental enamel. If you’re dealing with dry mouth and you coat your smile in sugars, you’ll be at risk of suffering from bad breath, dental cavities, and gum disease.

2. Pick A Time To Indulge

We want to limit the amount of time that your mouth is exposed to sugars and refined carbohydrates. That is why it is beneficial for you to enjoy sweets in a specific short time

frame, rather than snacking consistently throughout the day.

3. Enjoy Candy Post-Meal

We just talked about the ways in which saliva helps your smile; when you eat a full meal, your body floods your mouth with saliva. So, if you eat some candy after your meal, your mouth will be ready to minimize the amount of damage the candy can do. After meals is a great predetermined time in which to enjoy Halloween candy!

4. Just Keep Your Favorites

A key to consuming candy responsibly post-Halloween is to limit the amount of candy around you. After trick or treating, sort through the candy your family has-keep your favorite things, and consider donating the rest!

As always, please feel free to contact our Mount Prospect dentist if you have more questions about sugary substances or oral health in general!