Helpful Hints for a Healthy Halloween
Maplewood Dental Associates provides high quality oral care and comprehensive dental treatment for patients of all ages. Our doctors and staff are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile. We realize that fall is one of the most treasured times of the year and brings some of your favorite things—crisp weather, family gatherings, seasonal food, and holiday fun. However, Halloween can be challenging, as it can increase your child’s risk of tooth decay. As your local Maplewood MN dentistry office we want to help you navigate this time of the year by providing tips for preventing common issues and ensuring excellent dental health. Here’s how—with some teeth-friendly options for a healthy Halloween!
Savory Treats
Halloween treats don’t just have to be sweet. Consider some savory options, like nuts, seeds, cheese sticks, crackers, and vegetable chips, which make excellent candy alternatives. Dairy is packed with phosphates, vitamin D, and calcium, which helps build strong teeth and bones, and can improve tooth enamel. Nut butters come in a variety of flavors, like hazelnut or chocolate, but the sugar content is also considerably less than candy. Pumpkin
seeds are an excellent healthy snack to enjoy during the fall season—packed with a high-fiber punch, they also help scrub away leftover food particles, making them great for your teeth!
Natural Sugars
Sweets and other temptations are common this time of year, but it’s important to maintain a diet high in fiber-rich foods and fruits. Consider opting for nature’s candy—fruits like berries, clementines, bananas, grapes, melons, and pineapple pack a sweet punch, but also provide an assortment of micronutrients. Healthy seasonal favorites like apples can stimulate saliva production, offering a natural defense against cavities and tooth decay. Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, which is a strong antioxidant that heals gums and fights inflammation, while also helping the body produce more collagen, which aids healing and cell repair.
Reduced Sugar Items
If natural sugars aren’t enough to soothe your sweet tooth, you might consider reduced sugar candy and bakery items as an alternative to traditional Halloween treats. With these items, your child can get their sweet fix while reducing the overall amount of sugar they are consuming. Sugar-free gum is another great alternative, and it also stimulates saliva production, which reduces cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Dark Chocolate
Antioxidant-rich dark chocolate is also teeth-friendly. It contains polyphenols, natural chemicals that limit the buildup of bad oral bacteria. Polyphenols also help prevent bacteria from turning sugar into acid, keeping tooth enamel healthy. To get the most oral health benefits, look for dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa.
Non-Edible Halloween Treats
Consider stocking up on non-edible treats like toys, stickers, glow sticks, bubbles, temporary tattoos, or other holiday-themed items like vampire teeth and spider rings. These will help you get in the Halloween spirit and enjoy the holiday without indulging in extra sugars.
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene
Remember to practice good oral hygiene habits on a daily basis to maintain excellent oral health. Floss at least once per day, brush twice per day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, and visit your dentist every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. Don’t fall behind—get ahead of your oral health this season by following these easy tips. Be safe and enjoy your Halloween!
Contact Your Local Maplewood MN Dentistry Office Today
Maplewood Dental Associates is here to help you and your family with comprehensive dental care and cosmetic dentistry treatments to suit your individual needs. We proudly serve Maplewood and St. Paul, MN and the surrounding area. Whether you or your child is in need of a routine teeth cleaning or Invisalign treatment, we’ve got you covered. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us via email or by phone at (651) 770-3831. You can also request an appointment with our easy online form. We’re excited to help you and your family get started on a beautiful new smile today!