Halloween is about tricks and treats, and enjoying those treats too much can be harmful for your body and teeth. Even the smallest amount of sugar can be harmful to teeth, but we would never tell you to skip out on the festivities! Below we provide you with some ways to limit the sugar intake and how to minimize its effect on your teeth.
- Limit yourself. Set a limit on the number of candies you eat each day, and stick to that number!
- Take your time. Rather than wolfing down candy after candy, chew each piece thoroughly. By doing so, you are likely to eat less.
- Give yourself a reward. If you stick to your limit, reward yourself in some way -- and no, not with more candy!
- Eat candy for dessert. Enjoy Halloween treats after dinner. Chances are, you will already be somewhat full and won't want to eat as much.
- Drink water and/or chew gum. After eating candy, drink some water to rinse away left over candy particles. The longer that sugar stays on teeth, the more damage it will do. Gum will also help in stimulating saliva production, which will help with rinsing as well as balancing out the acidity in your mouth.
- Brush and floss ASAP. Water and gum will hold you over for a little bit, but only brushing and flossing can fully relieve your teeth of the sugar and plaque buildup that eating candy causes.
