With the next few months packed with various holidays, teeth are likely to be bombarded by sugary foods and drinks, which can wreak havoc on our smiles.
Not to fret. Dental experts have some advice to get people through the season.
“Everything in moderation,” says Dr. Cody Hughes, director of the Advanced Education Program Pediatric Dentistry at UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine.
When it comes to Halloween, Hughes, who has four children, knows kids are going to be kids and want candy.
“It’s important to balance dental health and the fact that kids want and like treats,” Hughes says. “I don’t think it is completely necessary to eliminate that from your child’s diet. Just be cautious.”
One tip Hughes suggests is to limit how much candy people consume at one time.
“Try to do just one piece after lunch or maybe one or two after dinner,” he says.
Sweets such as chocolate candies aren’t the scariest thing out there.
“The worst things are more the sugary and sticky candies like Skittles, Tootsie Rolls,” he says. “They stay in your mouth longer than chocolates or cake.”
Hughes says there are certain sweets he just outright throws away: “Things like sugary gum.”
No matter what the treat is, Hughes says, parents should make sure their children are properly brushing their teeth.
Up until children are around 8 or 9 years old, parents should supervise the process.
“At that age, they might not be the most effective at brushing their teeth,” he says. “I have a 10-year-old that every now and then I have to go back and take over.”
Hughes adds that children should have regular checkups, too.
“People think they should wait until they are 4 or 5, but it should be around 1,” he says.
It’s not just cavities people should be concerned about. The same chewy and sticky candies that can cause tooth decay can also damage fillings or crowns.
“It’s the caramels and chewy things that might pull them apart,” Hughes says. “Especially if kids have fillings. Adults, it is less likely for a crown or filling to get pulled off.”
If only one side of the mouth has a filling or crown, Hughes says, try chewing those treats on the other side.
“Or you can avoid those foods altogether, just in case,” he says.
Beyond Halloween, the next few holidays tend to be a time when people are more flexible in the types of foods and drinks they consume. Parents might be more inclined to treat their children to sodas or other carbonated beverages.
“They are horrible for your body, let alone your teeth,” he says. “I wouldn’t say don’t drink them.” He adds that it goes back to moderation and suggests maybe rinsing the mouth with water after consuming them.
Children aren’t the only ones at risk.
The holiday season might also mean adults drink more alcoholic beverages such as wine.
“Anything like wine is more likely to stain your teeth,” Hughes says. “Anything with added sugar will more likely cause more decay. But, again, it comes back to moderation.”
In addition to drinks, the whole family might be exposed to a variety of treats people deliver for the holiday season. He says take a few and maybe pass along the rest.
Hughes says people can still enjoy the holiday season and even have treats and sweets as long as they don’t go overboard.
Recent Comments