When preparing to enjoy Halloween and all other annual “candy-centered” holidays throughout the year, HealthLink Dental Clinic experts said these celebrations don’t have to be guilt-ridden from a dental perspective if everyone follows a few simple, common sense rules. They believe all holidays can include indulging in one’s favorite treats when consumed in moderation.
“The candy industry has continually expanded the role it has played in Halloween since the mid-1950s and each year the celebration seems to get even better. This includes 2020, despite the current pandemic and the trick-or-treater restrictions recommended,” said Dr. Bernard Dishler, HealthLink’s board president. “We want everyone to enjoy Halloween and the treats that come along with the celebration. They should not feel guilty about doing that as long as they use common sense and follow these few simple practices.”
Experts suggest trick-or-treaters do the following:
– Wait to eat treats until they get home and can empty their bags, spread the goodies out on a table to be sure everything is properly packaged and safe. Consumers may want to ration treats over time. Some candies with no nutritional value should be avoided all together.
– Separate the candy by categories. Those treats that can either stick to the teeth or get wedged between them should go in one pile, while those that melt and slide quickly through the mouth should be placed in another. All have their place and time to be enjoyed, yet one needs to remember that sugar from food and drinks produces acids that cause a bacterium that triggers tooth decay. The faster that sugar moves through the mouth to the stomach, the better.
– Combat the negatives of sugar build-up in the mouth by drinking lots of fluoridated tap water to rinse the sweets away.
– Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Flossing is also recommended as it helps get sticky sweets out from between teeth and under gums.
– It’s a good idea to wait an hour or so after eating candy before brushing the teeth, use a straw when drinking soft drinks, avoid sucking on hard candy for long periods of time, and drinking sugary or acidic beverages just before bedtime.
– One way to cut down on the amount of sweets consumed is to donate candy. Many dentists are collecting candy to send overseas to stationed troops.
If one is going to eat candy, chocolate is a better choice as it washes away easily and is less destructive to tooth enamel than many other sweets. The best chocolate is dark chocolate because it contains less sugar than milk chocolate. It is an antioxidant-rich superfood that can improve a person’s mood and reduces their risk of heart disease. Some claim it improves blood flow, helps with cognitive thinking and may even prevent cancer.
HealthLink Dental Clinic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Southampton that provides free dental services to low-income, working adults and military veterans living in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Visit healthlinkdental.org or call 215-364-4247 for more information.
