October is finally here and soon approaching, is Halloween. As much as the dentist Vienna would love for patients to choose healthier options for Halloween treats, it is inevitable that they will choose to eat candy and sweets. So the Dentist Vienna VA has provided you with a few tips on how to keep a healthy smile for you and your family this Halloween.

The Negative Effects of Candy

As delicious as candy can be, it can have a negative effect on teeth. When you eat sweets, it coats your teeth with a clear sticky substance called plaque which contains bacteria. The bacteria in plaque feeds off the sugar you consume and creates acid which attacks your teeth after you eat. Over a period of time, this can result in tooth decay, cavities and even tooth loss.

With a regular trip to your Vienna Dentist, you should be able to prevent tooth decay from progressing. But if cavities do form, be sure to see the Vienna VA dentist right away to prevent any additional damage that can occur to your tooth or to relieve any discomfort you may feel.

Healthy Teeth Tips for Halloween:

Here are a few suggestions for keeping yours and your family’s teeth healthy this Halloween season:

1. To your basket of candy, mix in some Halloween-themed pencils or stickers. You will be surprised to see how many children choose these items over candy.
2. When enjoying candy, try to avoid the gooey or chewy ones that can linger on teeth after eating.
3. After eating candy, try to brush or rinse your mouth with water to remove any leftover sugar in the mouth. The bacteria in the mouth can attack your teeth up to 20 minutes after consumption, which can lead to tooth decay so it is important to remove it as soon as possible.
4. After the first day of receiving candy, try to get rid of any leftovers. Eating candy once every day can really affect the health of your teeth and increase the amount of attention they need to be cleaned.

Overall, it is important to practice proper oral care. Children usually follow the footsteps of those who set positive healthy habits so be sure to talk with your children about the importance of practicing a twice-a-day brushing and flossing routine. Your Dentist in Vienna can also provide different options to help keep your child’s teeth healthy, such as dental sealants or fluoride rinses. If you have any questions about maintaining a healthy and clean smile for you or your family, be sure to contact your Dentist in Vienna VA for more information.