It’s that time of year when all the little goblins emerge to grab their swag of candy and feast on mounds of sugary delights. Halloween is a time associated with crazy costumes, pumpkin mania, and exposure to candy that we would normally avoid. Avoiding all Halloween candy seems a little extreme – but paying attention to the quantity and quality that your little goblins are consuming will help avoid a trip to the dentist for tooth decay.
South Trail Crossing Dental practitioners want patients to have fun during Halloween, but to be aware that the spike in sugary treats can damage a smile and negatively impact a person’s oral and systemic health. Sugar causes inflammation in the body – and this includes natural sugars that are labeled organic – and all it takes is as little as two teaspoons to upset the body’s homeostasis and alter body chemistry. Today’s average amount of sugar consumption per person is ½ a cup a day – which is over 150lbs a year – and is contributing to diabetes, pancreatitis, sinusitis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, brain degeneration, and of course dental decay and oral tissue inflammation.
High intake of sugar weakens our immune system due to the weakening of cell tissues and improper absorption of proteins and minerals. A weakened immune system plays havoc with oral tissues, creating gum inflammation, an increase in plaque formation due to a rise in bacteria, and the inability to fight off oral infections. The increased levels of plaque and non-friendly bacteria create the perfect environment for dental decay to flourish – as the bacteria feed off the starches (sugars) in the diet, releasing acid and eroding the enamel of teeth. So what can you do to enjoy Halloween Candy without having it ruin your smile or overall health? Moderation plays a huge role – just because the swag bag is full doesn’t mean it all should be eaten.
South Trail Crossing Dental recommends going through all Halloween Candy and throwing out anything that is already open, has damaged packaging, is not just sugar-laden but super sticky and chewy. Maybe discuss with your child before Halloween an amount of candy to keep – say ten pieces per child – and donate the rest to the food-bank. Avoid your child snacking on candy all day – set a time for treats and let your child enjoy their candy during that time – but then it’s time to brush and floss teeth and has a big glass of water to help rinse away any residual sugar.
Enjoying the experience of Halloween is important – and that includes enjoying some well-chosen candy. For more information on keeping your child’s teeth healthy, and for tips on brushing and flossing young patients teeth – contact this SE Calgary Dental Office today 403.720.2778