It’s that time of year when we all get a little bit of a sweet tooth with all of the sugar and sweets around to celebrate the Halloween season. While your Georgetown dentist will always tell you to limit sweets, we understand that during this time of year it can be downright tricky to avoid sugar. Did you know that there are other things that can be scary for smiles of all ages? Trust your dentist in Georgetown to tell you all about it – if you dare!
The Candy Man
So, we’re not here to tell you not to celebrate one of the most fun holidays of the year. Who doesn’t love to dress up as their favorite superhero or villain? Just be sure to keep your teeth clear of any dental danger, including indulging in too much candy. While sugar itself doesn’t create cavities, it does give the bacteria that live in the mouth plenty to feed on. When this happens, the bacteria produce an acid that will erode tooth enamel and cavities can form. Even though we recommend enjoying candy and foods with a lot of sugar in moderation, there are other foods that could be even spookier for your teeth.
Chips, Crackers, and Cavities?
Snacks like chips and crackers can actually lead to cavities too! While it’s easy to place all the blame on sugar and sweet treats, snacks that have a high starch content like these can do damage too. Starches can have a very similar effect on the body as sugars, even though they don’t have a sweet taste. They become sticky when you chew them, making it easy to get pieces of food stuck between your teeth which can lead to cavities. Chips and crackers also have a high glycemic index which is a scale used to show how likely food is to raise your blood glucose level during its breakdown. This means certain non-sweet foods can have a similar effect on your body and your oral health as, you guessed it, sugar. The combination of stickiness and a high glycemic index is a recipe for a scary situation.
Have Fun and Protect Your Smile
Whether you treat yourself to a few pieces of candy or enjoy a few crackers this Halloween, make sure to drink plenty of water to help wash away sugars and neutralize acid. As always, make sure you’re brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist in Georgetown twice every year.