Avoid Halloween Dental Woes With Preventive Measures
posted by AHIP
on October 22, 2018
It’s fitting that Halloween falls during National Dental Hygiene Month—a great time to refresh your oral health knowledge. Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in the United States. Cavities form from the acid left on teeth after eating sugary or starchy foods and drinks (like the treats given to trick-or-treaters). To reduce the risk of getting cavities from Halloween candy, some of the most successful preventive measures include:
- Brushing your teeth correctly: Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste with fluoride for two minutes, twice a day.
- Flossing daily: Flossing removes the excess food trapped between your teeth and helps keep your gums healthy by reducing plaque build-up.
- Visiting your dentist regularly: You should visit your dentist at least once a year for a routine cleaning and an examination. This catches a cavity early before it becomes a serious problem.
Additionally, for adult trick or treaters a focus on good oral hygiene and regular preventive dental visits can do more for your health than simply prevent cavities. Routine dental checkups can also reveal other health related problems such as diabetes. Gum infections can contribute to complication in the management of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
While you enjoy the scary and sugary celebrations this Halloween, remember good oral hygiene, along with preventive dental benefits, are important to overall health and well-being.
