Archive for October 2024

Halloween is just around the corner, and candy is everywhere! There are many frightful things about Halloween, but your teeth don’t have to be one of them. Our team at Hebron Family Dentistry has put together a guide with tips on keeping your smile healthy this holiday season. 

Halloween Tips for Healthy Smiles

Here are some ways to keep your teeth healthy this holiday season:

• Time Your Treats: Time your sweet Halloween treats for during or after a meal, which is when saliva production is at its peak. Saliva helps clean your teeth and neutralizes acids, lowering the risk of tooth decay. 
• Practice Moderation: Opt for fun-sized candies instead of full-sized candy bars. These smaller portions will satisfy you just as much as the larger ones while exposing your teeth to a fraction of the sugars. 
• Avoid Snacking and Grazing: The last thing you want to do is snack on sweet treats throughout the day. Choose a few pieces to eat during or after lunch or dinner, and opt for fresh fruit or veggies if you want a snack. 
• Steer Clear of Chewy or Sticky Candy: Chewy or sticky candies like caramel or taffy can stick to every groove and crevice on your teeth and are hard to remove, even with brushing and flossing. The longer these candies sit on your teeth, the more risk they pose to your smile. 
• Avoid Sour Candies: Sour candies contain plenty of sugar, increasing the risk of decay. They are also highly acidic, which causes the tooth enamel to break down quickly. 
• Turn Away from Hard Candies: Hard candies take time to dissolve, leaving plenty of time for harmful oral bacteria to wreak havoc on your oral health. Moreover, biting down on hard candy can chip or fracture your tooth, potentially requiring emergency care. 
• Drink Plenty of Water: Aside from its positive health benefits, water is great for your teeth. It helps enhance saliva production, rinse away sugars, and neutralize acids, safeguarding your smile. 
• Choose Sugar-Free Gum: Sugar-free gum helps increase saliva flow, washing away sugars and bacteria. Gum that contains xylitol is especially effective because it reduces acid-causing bacteria in the mouth.  
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Practices: Make sure you continue brushing and flossing your teeth during the holidays. It’s especially important to maintain good oral hygiene during this time to minimize the risk the sweet Halloween treats pose to your smile. 
• Visit Your Dentist: It’s important to keep up with your twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings to lower the risk of dental disease. If we detec any underlying concerns, we will recommend prompt treatment to maintain your healthy smile. 

Preventive Dental Care Near Me in Hebron, KY

Contact Hebron Family Dentistry to learn more about safeguarding your smile this Halloween. Dr. Watson and her family-friendly team are happy to offer tips and guidance to help you keep your smile healthy this holiday season and all year long. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!