Manus Dental in Lake Zurich has issued a Halloween oral care reminder, advising residents to take simple steps to reduce their risk of tooth decay while enjoying candy.
The clinic notes that the type of candy can affect the risk of tooth damage. Sticky or chewy candies, such as caramel and gummy candies, can easily lodge on teeth and in crevices, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Acidic candies can also erode tooth enamel.
The clinic recommends that if you want to indulge in sweets, try to eat them all at once rather than spreading them out throughout the day to reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar.
The timing of eating is also important. The clinic recommends eating candy after a meal, as increased saliva production helps flush away debris and acids. If brushing isn’t possible immediately, drinking water after a meal can also help clean your mouth.
Daily cleaning remains key to preventing tooth decay. Manus Dental reminds parents to encourage their children and themselves to brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and to floss daily to remove stains between teeth.
Halloween is also a good time to check the condition of your toothbrush: if the bristles are worn, replace them promptly. The clinic also reminds residents to consider their annual dental insurance benefits: many plans reset on January 1st, and any unused checkups or cleanings may expire at the end of the year.
Manus Dental recommends that patients schedule routine cleanings and checkups before the end of the year to maximize their insurance benefits.
Manus Dental states that its goal is to help families maintain healthy smiles during Halloween and year-round, and encourages those with questions or appointments to contact the clinic as soon as possible.