For many of us, October marks the beginning of a season of fun-filled activities.
Halloween is coming, and then it’s one holiday after the other until the end of the year. And, let’s be honest, there’s nothing like some Halloween festivities to bring family and friends together — it’s the ultimate excuse to dress up and get out and about for people of all ages. Of course, along with all the costumes and decorations, comes the inevitable candy. While there’s nothing wrong with a sweet treat from time to time, it’s important that you don’t forget to take care of your (and your children’s) oral health as you gear up for some celebrations.
So, with your oral health in mind, we’ve put together our five top tips for keeping your smile beautiful and in tip-top shape this Halloween…
- Enjoy treats in moderation
While a treat now and then is not the end of the world, it’s easy to take it too far when it comes to holidays like Halloween. So many of us tend to use holidays as an excuse to overindulge. Enjoy some candy but try and limit yourself. There’s no need to eat a whole bag of candy in one sitting just because it’s there! - Avoid sticky candy
Sticky candy tends to cling to the teeth, which means that it takes longer to be washed away by saliva in the mouth. This increases the risk for tooth decay. It’s also a good idea to try and stay away from hard candy that stays in the mouth for a long time — the longer that sugary snacks stay in the mouth, the greater the chance of tooth decay. - Make some healthy alternatives
For the sake of your oral health, as well as your overall wellness, why not try a healthy alternative to the usual chocolates and candies? Cut fruits into fun shapes, or make popsicles with fresh fruits and yoghurt. Crunchy vegetable sticks are a quick and easy party snack, plus they help to keep your teeth clean in between brushing. - Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth out after eating sugary snacks to help prevent decay. It’s also a good idea to avoid drinks that are very high in sugar, like soda and flavored water. When you drink sweet beverages, the bacteria in your mouth reacts with the sugar, turning them into acids, which erode the teeth and cause decay. Try and get your kids in the habit of drinking water throughout the day — not only will this help to wash sugar from their teeth, but it’s good for their overall health as well. - Maintain your routine
Even during holidays and special events, it’s important to stick to your healthy habits. Brush your teeth every morning and evening, and floss at least once a day. By keeping your teeth clean, you’ll effectively reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, which lowers the risk of plaque build-up, as well as tooth decay and gum disease.
Don’t forget to come in and see us if you’re due for your routine checkup and clean. We recommend that you make an appointment every six months, so that we can check for any irregularities and cavities. We’ll also clean your teeth to remove any plaque that has built up, which will leave your teeth looking bright and beautiful!
Schedule a complimentary consultation or book an appointment with Dr Hall for your next professional cleaning and preventative examination in Colorado Springs. Simply contact us by calling our office on (719) 481 8250. We are always happy to help!
