Thursday, October 28, 2010

Keeping Your Family Cavity Free This Halloween


Halloween is just around the corner- and while we're sure you are busy putting the finishing touches on your costume, carving pumpkins and decorating, we wanted to take a moment to remind you all of the importance of oral hygiene, especially this weekend. We know how tempting this time of the year can be on our sweet tooth, and can be equally challenging for parents in setting limits for the inevitable piles of candy their children will gather from trick or treating. However, for most people, no Halloween is complete without a little candy.

Sweets remain a huge part of Halloween for tens of millions of Americans each year. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating, and estimates candy sales will be higher this year than ever. While not all bad in moderation, Candy can lead to big problems in excess, especially if good oral hygiene habits are not followed.

To help, we have found 5 tips from the American Dental Association for parents to help maintain good oral health for Halloween, and the rest of the year too!

1. Consume candy during meals, when saliva can help neutralize the acids that are present in some candies (particular the sour variety)

2. Avoid sticky or hard candies that stay in your mouth for a long time. These candies can result in constant exposure of acids to your teeth- a quick ticket to a cavity!

3. Ensure the water your family drinks is fluoridated- which has been shown to help prevent cavities.

4. Stick to your daily oral hygiene habits- brush twice a day, and floss at least once too!

5. Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings with us. We can help catch problems like cavities early to reduce their severity, as well as give you tips for improving your oral health.

Hope these tips help!

All of us at Stiles Dentistry wish you a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

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