Oral health tips for post-Halloween trick-or-treaters
Halloween may be one of the few nights out of the year when parents are a little more lenient with candy consumption. While the kids (and parents) are digging in on the sweets after a fun night of trick or treating, it’s important to pay attention to your oral health care practices to avoid toothaches, cavities, and other dental issues post-Halloween. For dentists like Dr. Scott Asnis, DDS, CEO and Founder Dental365, Halloween and the weeks thereafter, is the busiest time of year.
“Cavities are caused by sugar having prolonged exposure to the teeth. If you’re still exposed to candy leftovers, it’s important to try and decrease the amount of candy you are consuming as well as the amount of time sugar comes in contact with your teeth,” said Asnis. “That means, if you can’t help but to consume the candy, brush after as soon as possible.”
Sugar has long been identified by dentists and oral health experts as a major cause of tooth decay and cavities. Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar in candy and other foods and turn it into acid. According to Asnis, this acid attacks tooth enamel and causes cavities.
“To get your oral health back in check post-Halloween, there are tips to help minimalize the harm,” said Asnis, noting that most damage from eating sugary foods and candy is done immediately following eating the food. “Soft and sticky candy, along with chocolates can get stuck in the grooves and crevices of your teeth, which can be alleviated by chewing sugarless gum or brushing your teeth immediately after eating the candy.”
Asnis also stated that if you are feeling pain or discomfort post-Halloween, see your dentist as soon as possible to get a check up.
“It’s always best not to wait and assume the pain will go away,” he said.
For safety precautions, always make sure to keep hard candy away from small children, as it is a major choking hazard.
“Adults and children alike should keep from biting into hard candies, which can cause a tooth fracture, even on perfectly healthy teeth,” said Asnis of more oral health tips.
And as a sweet treat, the team at Dental365 will be offering free dentistry to veterans on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in multiple locations as a thank you for their services. Services offered will include cleanings, X-rays, full-mouth debridements and comprehensive examinations. The Dental365 locations hosting the event in Long Island will be Levittown and Centereach.
“America would not be what it is today without our Veterans and the sacrifices they have made. The free dentistry day is Dental365’s way of giving back and saying thank you,” said Asnis. “At Dental365, the entire team regards Veterans Day with gratitude and great respect for the work our servicemen and women have done for this country.”
Getting quality dentistry can be difficult for veterans because in order to qualify for full Veteran’s Administration dental benefits, they must be completely disabled, have been a prisoner of war or have developed a serious dental condition during their time of service. Fear, money and lack of dental coverage are all barriers that can keep veterans from getting the proper dental care they need and deserve.
Dental365’s goal is to service the communities they are in with the latest technology in oral healthcare and wellness. As an added convenience, their brand new, inviting offices focus on all areas of dentistry, so patients never have to go elsewhere for dental treatment. Dental365 accepts walk-ins with little or no waiting time for adults and children and offers everything from emergency extractions to routine exams, including cosmetic restorations and implants, periodontal procedures and Invisalign all in a state-of-the-art, beautiful environment where patient comfort is a top priority.
For more information, or to schedule and appointment call 844-365-3368 or visit www.GoDental365.com.
—Submitted by Dental365
