Halloween is around the corner and we all like to indulge a bit. Here at Glaser Orthodontics we have a few recommendations to help care for your teeth when eating sugary sweets. The danger of sweets is that it can lead to tooth decay if not treated properly. Both Dr. Glaser and the American Dental Association encourages proper care of your teeth all year long.
The downside of sour candies is the large amount of acid. It’s that acid that makes you pucker. The acid in sour candies wears down the enamel on your teeth. Without the enamel coating, your teeth can be brittle in addition to exposing some nerves. Glaser Orthodontics recommends that you brush or at a minimum, rinse your teeth after indulging.
If hard candies are your favorite keep this in mind. Hard candies take longer to dissolve so it’s like bathing your teeth in sugar and acid. The sugar stays in your mouth longer and the longer the sugar is in your mouth, the more vulnerable your teeth are to cavities. Again, Glaser Orthodontics encourages its patients to rise with a fluoride mouthwash or brush.
Love those sticky, chewy candies? Well your braces and your teeth are not a fan. Candies that include taffies, caramels, peanut butter or nut filled leave a sticky residue on your teeth and gums. This acts like an adhesive for bacteria which leads to tooth decays. Dr. Glaser says brushing is best.
While trick or treating in Cortlandt Manor and Yorktown Heights, Glaser Orthodontics recommends limiting your sweet intake and brush afterward. Stay safe and bring a flashlight!