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Meridian pediatric dentists Dr. Shelley Ellis and Dr. Britt McCarty provided the following Halloween dental health tips:
• Limit the amount of sticky and/or chewy candies. When attending Halloween parties and events, it’s very easy to munch on mouthwatering pieces of sticky or chewy sweets like caramel, toffee and fudge. Just remember, candies that stick to the teeth take longer to get washed away by saliva and can increase the risk for tooth decay. In addition, some of the stickier candies and desserts can loosen or remove fillings, crowns and other dental work.
• Don’t use the teeth. Children and adults can get so caught up in the excitement of opening candy wrappers that they decide to use their teeth to open the packaging. Try to avoid using teeth as a pair of scissors because this type of wear and tear can cause teeth to crack, chip and even break!
• Avoid hard candy and other sweets that might stay in the mouth for a long period of time. The quantity and the amount of time sugary foods and sweets stay in the mouth plays a major role in tooth decay. If children or adults must absolutely have candy, the best types to eat are those that dissolve quickly such as chocolate bars. Since they dissolve so quickly, the sugar in the candy is in the mouth for a very short time. If people are trying to avoid super sweet/sugary treats, they should consider eating a piece of fruit.
• Water things down. When teeth are in constant contact with candy and beverages that contain sugar, there is an increased risk of tooth decay. Balance things out by drinking water in between eating candy and drinking sugary beverages.
• Just “two” it. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends people brush their teeth two times a day for two minutes. During the Halloween season, it may be a good idea to brush teeth immediately after eating candy, especially the candy that is sticky. The simple habit of regular brushing can make a big difference over time.
• Visit the dentist. Remember to schedule a checkup appointment with the dentist. It’s important to maintain regular and routine preventive dental care during Halloween and throughout the year because a regular dental exam can bring attention to issues that aren’t visible or painful in the early stages. A dentist can spot early warning signs in the mouth that may indicate disease elsewhere in the body.
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