Trick or Treat Dental Survival Guide

As you and your kids prepare for Halloween fun, keep in mind this practical advice straight from our dentists.

Here are the least to most harmful candies for your teeth:

1. Chocolate is the best because it’s the easiest to wash off your teeth. Dark chocolate is better than milk chocolate; it has 25 percent less sugar.
2. Gummy and sticky candy tends to stay longer on your teeth.
3. Hard candy. You end up keeping these candies in your mouth longer and can chip or break a tooth if you’re not careful.
4. Sour candy. The more sour the candy, the more acid is formed in the mouth. The more acid in the mouth, the more damage it does to the outer layer of your teeth.
5. Popcorn balls. Popcorn tends to get stuck between your teeth or underneath your gums, where it could cause pain.

Beyond taking precaution with certain types of candies, good dental hygiene should certainly be top of mind.

• Take water with you during your Trick or Treat excursions to keep you hydrated and help rinse the sugar from your mouth following candy consumption.
• Try to eat sweets right after meals or only a few times per day.
• Don’t snack on candy throughout the day. The more often you consume candy, the higher the cavity rate.
• Brush your teeth twice a day—morning and night.
• Floss your teeth once a day.

If you don’t have a dentist you see regularly or would like more information about dental care, contact Marshall Dentistry & Oral Surgery at 304-691-1247.

Be safe, and have a Happy Halloween!