Eating plenty of Halloween treats may satisfy that "sweet tooth," for kids, but it can cause tooth decay as well. The following information from the Oklahoma Dental Association lists some dental health tips for your patients to keep in mind this Halloween:
-- Neglecting to properly clean your teeth, after eating sugary foods, such as candy, may result in tooth decay, gum disease and possibly tooth loss.
-- The stickier the candy, like gummy bears or taffy, the harder it is to wash it away with saliva from in between teeth. Individuals who wear braces or retainers should be careful to avoid sticky treats.
-- The length of time candy remains in the mouth plays a role in tooth decay, so limiting candy like suckers and other hard candy can be beneficial.
-- Research indicates certain foods, such as cheese, peanuts or sugar-free chewing gum, may be "friendly" to teeth. Eating thesen foods along with or after foods that contain sugars may help to counter tooth decay.
-- It is recommended to brush with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste twice a day, clean between teeth once a day and visit the dentist regularly to combat tooth decay.
