Caring For Your Teeth During Halloween
If you don't care for your teeth during Halloween, you may experience a trick instead of a treat. Halloween is such a fun time, but if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, there are things you need to be aware of. The experts at Mack Orthodontics provide this overview of how to care for your teeth during Halloween.
Candy to Avoid
When you wear braces, some treats are off-limits, including any hard, gummy, chewy, or sticky candy because they can damage the brackets and wires of your braces. These treats include taffy, gummies, caramels, toffee, jelly beans, Tootsie Rolls, gum, M&Ms, and Skittles.
Treats You Can Eat
Just because you wear braces doesn't mean you can't have any treats. You can have soft chocolate that doesn't include sticky or hard fillings, such as peanut butter cups. You can also have baked goods like brownies, cookies, and ice cream. When you have braces, you have to get creative with the sweets you can eat.
Moderation is Important
Candy, sweets, and soda are all loaded with sugar, so you have to consume them in moderation. The sugar in these treats turns to acid in your mouth, which causes bacteria to form and flourish, setting you up for tooth decay, and potentially, gingivitis.
When you do consume treats, make sure you drink plenty of water to help clear the sugar from your mouth. It's an easy thing to do that can help prevent tooth decay.
Brushing and Flossing is Essential
Brushing and flossing are always important but especially on Halloween. You should brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and also after you've had sweet treats to make sure the sugar is not sitting on your teeth for a long time. You should wait to brush for at least 20 minutes after eating treats to not brush the acid from the sugar all over your teeth. Rinse with water after you have a sweet treat, and then brush after 20 minutes.
Make sure you floss at least once a day, particularly before going to bed, to remove any food particles and plaque between your teeth and under the gum line.
Make an Appointment with Mack Orthodontics Today!
If you have any questions about caring for your teeth during Halloween or to schedule an appointment, contact us. Dr. Mack and the team will be happy to answer any of your questions. If you are looking for a leading orthodontist for orthodontic treatment, look no further than Mack Orthodontics. We look forward to working with you for a straight and healthy smile.