Happy Halloween!

In our last blog, we shared a quiz to test your knowledge about healthy dental habits that are especially important during this kind of holiday.

Now, with trick-or-treating just days away, your Jeffersonville dentist at Kirchner Dental is making sure you have more tools to combat the harmful effects sugar can have on your family’s teeth.

The Sugar In Candy Feeds The Bacteria Beast!

We blame sugar for tooth decay, but that’s not entirely fair.

It’s really the bacteria in your mouth that poses the real danger for your teeth and gums.

That’s because sugar is its favorite food source, and when it feeds on it, it generates erosive acids that cause tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

So, credit where credit is due! You don’t want to feed the bacteria beast, which is why keeping your sugar intake low is an important part of keeping your mouth healthy.

Halloween Tips To Protect Your Teeth

Keep your family’s smiles in good shape with these Halloween tips that will help you protect their teeth and gums:

*Eat A Healthy Diet*

Keep your family’s diet healthy and balanced, and resist the temptation of turning sweets into snacks or meal replacements.

If you continue to get the essential nutrients that keep your teeth strong, and only enjoy candy as an after-dinner treat, you can keep your cavity risk low.

*Drink Water, Rinse, & Repeat*

Always drink plenty of water each day, no matter what season it is!

You need to be well-hydrated so you have plenty of saliva to wash away food particles and fight harmful bacteria in your mouth.

But in addition to that, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth out with water after you eat candy to keep your teeth cleaner between your normal brushing.

*Some Candy Is Sticky Business*

The longer it’s in your mouth, the more time bacteria has to feed off of it and produce acids that eat away at your enamel.

So caramel, marshmallow, toffee, and taffy are the types of candy that will stick to every nook and cranny in your mouth for a bit too long, and as a result, increase your risk for tooth decay.

*Beware The Hazards Of Hard Candy*

Hard candies can be hazardous for two reasons. For one thing, sucking on a piece of candy keeps sugar in your mouth for a long time, which isn’t good. But it can also lead to a dental disaster if you damage a tooth when biting down on it.

*Keep Candy Out Of Sight*

You might be surprised that we’re not telling you to keep the candy out of the house, but instead, we’re suggesting you keep it out of sight.

It’s okay to enjoy sweets in moderation, and putting it away in a kitchen cabinet will help your family resist the temptation to overdo it.

Schedule An Appointment!

We invite your family to visit us for a dental checkup after the Halloween festivities are over. Not only will we want to hear about your kids trick-or-treating adventures, but we want to keep their teeth and gums clean, healthy, and strong as we head into another round of holidays coming up soon!

To schedule your family’s next appointment in Jeffersonville, IN, call Kirchner Dental today at 812-913-6093 or contact us online.