Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy Halloween while protecting your teeth and gums. Here are four tips from experienced orthodontist Dr. Robert Rudman at Advanced Orthodontic Care:
- Eat sweets at mealtime: Did you know that it matters when you eat candy? It’s best to eat sweets with meals or shortly after mealtime. When you eat food, your mouth produces more saliva, and that increase in saliva can protect your teeth from acids.
- Drink more water: Hydration is important year-round. However, during spooky season, it’s particularly important to drink plenty of water. Water can help wash candy off of your teeth. If it’s fluorinated, it can also work to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
- Choose candy carefully: Some sweets are smarter than others. If you wear braces, steer clear of anything crunchy, sticky, or gummy. Aligner wearers should also use caution when selecting sweets. Even though you remove your trays before eating, long-lasting candies such as lollipops can negatively affect your oral health. And candies that stain your tongue can also stain your trays if you aren’t thorough when you brush.
- Remember to brush: It’s important to practice good oral hygiene. It’s particularly important to do so after you’ve eaten candy and other sugar-filled treats. However, resist the urge to grab your toothbrush immediately. Brushing right after you eat sugar can actually harm your enamel. Instead, wait thirty minutes to an hour so your saliva can neutralize the acids before you start scrubbing away at the surface of your teeth.
Keep Your Orthodontic Treatment on Track
Candy can cause various issues that may get in the way of straightening your smile. Broken brackets, stained aligner trays, and cavities can all slow down your orthodontic treatment.
Stay on track with some help from our skilled orthodontist. He can provide additional tips for caring for your smile. He is also available to correct any issues with your orthodontic device.
Call 303-331-0222 today to schedule your next appointment at Advanced Orthodontic Care. Our practice serves patients from Denver, Cherry Creek, Stapleton, and nearby areas of Colorado.
