How to avoid being haunted by dead, rotten teeth this Halloween
Posted October 25, 2022 11:25 am.
Last Updated October 25, 2022 3:49 pm.
If you don’t want a smile that looks like Freddy Krueger or the little demon girl in The Exorcist, you’ll have show some discipline this Halloween.
But there is some good news for sugar fiends.
The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) has released its ‘friends and foes’ list when it comes to Halloween treats, and you may be surprised to learn that chocolate is actually on the friends side.
According to the ODA, the sugar in plain chocolate dissolves quickly, making it less damaging to teeth. “It doesn’t haunt your mouth for a long time,” the ODA said in a release Tuesday.
Other tooth-friendly, although not-so-exciting snacks include:
Nuts: “All kinds of nuts have a lot of nutrients including vitamins and minerals that can keep your teeth strong and prevent cavities.”
Cheese: “Eating cheese leaves a protective film on your teeth that can block sugar from doing damage. It also increases saliva, which washes away the sugar and acid in whatever you eat and drink.”
The ODA notes that it’s not just what you eat, but when you eat it that contributes to mouth health. “A big bowl of candy can be mesmerizing but it’s less magical when you’ve already eaten a balanced meal because you’re too full to overdo it,” it said.
Another helpful tip? Swish with water after eating sweats to rinse your mouth and wash away sugar that could lead to cavities.
Okay, that’s the good news. Now the bad.
Caramels, licorice and dried fruit are definite foes, the ODA says, because they’re sticky and chewy and cling to teeth, potentially ruining dental worth and contributing to tooth decay.
Hard candy, lollipops and jaw breakers are also brutal. “They’re bright and colourful but they can chip teeth and dislodge braces. They also soak your teeth in sugar while they dissolve,” the ODA said.
Chips also make the foe-list. “Even though they’re not very sugary, chips easily get stuck on and in between your teeth and can cause cavities.”
No surprise here the rebels at ODA advise brushing and flossing about 30 minutes after eating all your kid’s candy.
