This Dentist Loves Candy!

Dental offices around the nation are raiding their weapons closets,  drawing lines in the sand, and preparing for the great annual fight  against Halloween candy.  After the glorious battle is fought many offices will see their pillages of war pile up as candy is brought in for exchange for “incentives” or sometimes cash.  We salute those who have fought bravely but sadly year after year…..they lose.  That’s right, despite our best efforts the children of this country consume “tons” of candy every Halloween and they will have the cavities (battle scars) to show for it.

What  is the best way to fight this fight effectively? You should first know that This Dentist Loves Candy, so you will not see any candy refunds going on at our office, no wood chippers in the parking lot, or candy bonfires occurring here.   We believe that the best weapon against candy overload is good parent involvement and boundaries set with your kiddos. Below are several suggestions the American Dental Association has published to better educate the public on candy consumption.

1. Consume Halloween candy and other sugary foods with meals.
   Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.
2. Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time.
   Besides how often you snack, the length of time food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to prolonged acid attack, increasing the risk for tooth decay.
3. Avoid sticky candies that cling to your teeth.
   The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay.
4. Drink more water.
   Consuming optimally fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.
5. Maintain a healthy diet and make sure the meals you eat are nutritious.
   Your body is like a complex machine. The foods you choose as fuel and how often you “fill up” affect your general health and that of your teeth and gums.
6. Avoid beverages with added sugar such as soda, sports drinks or flavored waters.
   When teeth come in frequent contact with beverages that contain sugar, the risk of tooth decay is increased.
7. Chew gum that has the ADA Seal.
   Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals has been shown to reduce tooth decay, because increased saliva flow helps wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by dental plaque bacteria.
8. Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
   Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
9. Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
   Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
10. Visit an ADA-member dentist for more information on maintaining your oral health….. That’s us!  Happy Halloween from Bohannan Dentistry