Tis the season for tricks and treats…emphasis on the treats! As you gear up for Halloween, consider taking some simple steps to protect your smile from sugar-related damage. Our Glendale dentists are here with some helpful tips, so keep reading to learn more!
The basic thing to understand, and to keep in mind, is that the oral bacteria that live in our mouths LOVE sugars and refined carbohydrates. When oral bacteria come into contact with sugars they feed on them, and use the energy from sugar to grow and multiply. So, as you would imagine, you want to limit bacteria’s ability to do this.
One of the best things that you can do to protect your smile is to simply limit the amount of sugar that you consume. During this time of year, it can start to feel like candy is everywhere you turn. Consider donating some of the Halloween candy that your family brings home; there are many organizations that collect candy and then send it to troops overseas, for example. You can also portion out the candy in your home, so that only a small portion of it is available at any given time.
When you do indulge, try to do in a short period of time, rather than snacking throughout the day. This can help your smile because oral bacteria stay active, and feeding on sugars, for about 20 to 30 minutes after you finish eating. When you consume candy in predetermined period of time, you limit the amount of time that bacteria are able to grow and multiply.
Try drinking water, or rinsing your mouth with water after eating something sweet. This helps to rinse away oral bacteria and dental debris. Additionally, water stimulates saliva production and saliva works to neutralize bacteria and re-mineralize dental enamel.
As always, our Glendale dentists are happy to provide you with any additional information that you may need, and to help you project your smile for the long-term. Feel free to contact our team by phone, or through our Contact Us page to get started!