The season of sweet treats is upon us! Trick-or-treat buckets full to the brim…emergency bags of Haribo (for the kids, of course)…sugar is pretty much everywhere in October.
Whilst the team here at Lister House Dental Centre, Harlow, are all for the Halloween spirit, those extra sweets can take a toll on your smile if you’re not careful. That’s why we’ve listed our TOP FIVE tricks for enjoying sugary treats without giving your teeth a fright. Keep reading to find out how!
Tip One: Stop Grazing
We tell our patients this all the time…it’s not how much sugar you eat, but how often your teeth are exposed to it! Every sugary snack creates an opportunity for acid to attack your enamel, so constantly dipping into your Halloween haul throughout the day gives your teeth little time to recover. It’s best to enjoy a few treats with or just after a meal.
Tip Two: More Water
Sugary snacks are wonderful. But chocolate and sweets washed down with fizzy drinks all evening? That’s a whole lot for your teeth to contend with. Drinking plain water after treats is a much better, tooth-friendly alternative to help wash away food debris.
Tip Three: Beware Stickier Sweets
Gummies, toffees and chewy sweets have an annoying habit of hanging around. They stick to teeth and settle in little nooks and crannies that are hard to reach when brushing. That’s why it’s best to enjoy these types of snacks occasionally rather than throughout an evening.
Tip Four: Keep Brushing
Halloween partying can take a lot of us, but it’s not an excuse to let bedtime brushing fall by the wayside! Everyone should brush twice a day for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. We also recommend flossing once a day to make sure you reach spaces your toothbrush might miss.
Tip Five: Book A Check-Up at Lister House!
The best thing you can do for your smile, especially after an indulgent season like Halloween, is to book a check-up with your Lister House dentist in Harlow. With regular appointments, we can examine your teeth and gums and spot problems before they get any worse!
”“I have been going to Lister House Dental for many many years. My dentist Neal Mehta and his assistant are very kind and helpful. Always make me feel at ease. The reception staff are always very friendly and helpful.”
”“I have just visited Lister House to see the hygienist, Laura. Last year I was going somewhere else for my appointments and decided to try somewhere new. I’m so glad I did; I couldn’t fault the staff at Lister House or my hygienist. She was beyond helpful and really took the time with me.”
We hope you all have a suitably spooky Halloween this year! In the meantime, if you need us, don’t hesitate to book a consultation at our Harlow-based dental practice by phoning Reception on 01279 423521.