Like some, you may consider yourself to have a “sweet tooth” — an extreme liking for sweet-tasting foods. If you do, chances are your sugar cravings go into overdrive during Halloween time. After all, the holiday is all about getting large amounts of candy! Rather than spend the 31st binging on treats, though, you’re better limiting the Halloween candy you have. Luckily, your dentist in Dublin has ways to make this restraint easier. Read on to learn why candy harms oral health and tips for curbing your Halloween sweet tooth.
Excess Candy = Bad Oral Health
While Halloween candy is a sweet reward for trick-or-treating, you shouldn’t overeat it. If you do, your teeth will suffer in the long run.
You see, most Halloween treats have large amounts of sugar. This carb, in turn, stimulates mouth bacteria to produce tooth-eroding acids. In particular, the erosion process will lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease if left untreated.
Ways to Curb Your Halloween Sweet Tooth
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your sweet tooth in check — even during times like Halloween! Just remember to follow the tips below:
Give Some Treats Away
You can’t be tempted by what isn’t there, right? That being the case, give away some of your Halloween treats even while you keep your favorites.
One option is to donate a portion of your candy to a charitable organization. Many groups, it turns out, accept such sweets for good causes. For example, Soldier’s Angels have a Treats for Troops program that collects candy for overseas troops.
Find Sugar-Free Substitutes for Candy
If you need to satisfy your craving for sweets, chow down on a sugar-free substitute. You could have fresh fruit with natural sugars that aren’t as harmful to teeth. Another choice is sugarless gum, which tastes like the sugared variety and stimulates teeth-cleaning saliva. Whatever you choose, though, you can trust that there are sugar-free treats that can curb your appetite for candy.
Have Healthy Foods & Drinks
A healthy, well-balanced diet isn’t just good for physical health. It can also protect your teeth from Halloween treats!
Many nutritious items are also “mouth-healthy,” so to speak. Lean proteins, whole grains, dairy, and leafy greens both provide energy and strengthen teeth against decay. Furthermore, they can keep you full longer than foods with empty calories, thus ensuring you feel less tempted to gorge on Halloween candies.
As you can see, your dentist in Dublin wants to help curb your sweet tooth. As such, follow the tips above, so your Halloween doesn’t lead to tooth or gum issues.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck is a dentist based in Dublin, OH, having earned his DDS from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He is also a member of both the American Dental Association and the Ohio Dental Association. Given this background, he specializes in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency dental care. Dr. Buck currently practices at Distinctive Smiles and is reachable on his website or by phone at (614)-792-1800.