Having a Halloween without candy is like trying to celebrate Christmas without Santa Claus. It’s simply not going to happen. And it’s not just the kids who love the uncontrolled sugar mayhem. Grownups were kids once too, and nothing says sugar attack to kids of all ages quite like Halloween sweets.
Dr. David Blaustein knows that nothing is going to stop kids (and grownups) from eating way too many sweets, but there are some tips to keep your teeth protected from too much damage this Halloween.
First, a reality check. The experts say it’s not the amount of sugar that kids take in at one sitting around Halloween or the holidays. It’s the frequency and the time that kids consume sugar that causes cavities and other dental problems. When we eat, we create saliva that acts as a natural mouthwash to cleanse bacteria and protect enamel.
A smart and easy way to make sure that sugary deposits don’t linger in the mouth is to make sure to rinse your mouth out with water after each snack and meal. Brushing and flossing are also more important than ever during the Halloween season.
Some candies dissolve easily in the mouth; the best of these are sweetened with xylitol, which is a natural sugar that comes from fruits. This type of sugar raises the pH level in the saliva, which can help combat bacteria.
The more troublesome culprits are sticky and chewy candies like Skittles, Starbursts, caramels, gummies and Tootsie Rolls which tend to stick to the teeth increasing the amount of time that sugar has to create damage.
Oddly enough, chocolate is actually easy on the teeth because of the rate at which it melts and dissolves.
Sour candy ranks up there with sticky candy as a prime Halloween offender because the high acidity lowers the pH levels in a child’s saliva, which reduces its ability to fight bacteria. The high acidity levels may also weaken the thin tooth enamel of a child.
For Dr. David A. Blaustein and his staff at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, a key word at Halloween is moderation. Too much of anything is usually not good when it comes to taking care of yourself, and it’s especially true when it comes to your teeth. If you’ve been neglecting your teeth, the holiday season of parties is approaching fast. Why not call Dr. Blaustein and give your teeth a tune-up so you look and feel your best?
Call us at 347-973-7527 to schedule your visit and learn more about cosmetic dentistry options in NYC. We’re located in the heart of New York City in Chelsea, just below Midtown West in Manhattan, easily accessible from the West Village, Gramercy, and the Meat Packing District.
