Channel your inner cavity slayer to avoid total dental doom.
TORONTO, ON — There may not be as much trick or treating going on this October, but cavities are always up for a Halloween party and millions of candies, chocolates and chips are going to be devoured by people of all ages in the days to come.
The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is offering a friendly reminder that taking care of your mouth is especially important during the pandemic because dental health is a key part of overall health and well-being. Plus, dentists know you’re going to be indulging in all kinds of sugary and salty treats, so here’s the lowdown on how to ward off tooth decay:
Hard candies including jaw breakers, lollipops and mints soak your teeth in sugar as they dissolve and can also crack your teeth or ruin braces if you bite down on them.
Chewy sweets like caramels, licorice and even dried fruit may be fun to eat but they can get stuck to and in between your teeth, cause cavities and can even pull out fillings, if you’re not careful!
Salty treats like pretzels, potato and corn chips may seem better than candy but they can also get lodged in your teeth and breakdown into cavity-causing sugars.
Chocolate bars are actually one of the more tooth-friendly treats, as long as it’s plain chocolate so it can dissolve quickly in your mouth.
Nuts are a healthy snack alternative and eating some cheese before treats can leave a vitamin-rich film on the teeth that helps protect against sugary candies.
Water is the best way to neutralize all the sugars and acids in your mouth, so be sure to swish after treat time. Chewing some sugar-free gum is also great at getting saliva going and washing away excess sugar and debris on your teeth.
For more dental care tips and COVID-19 updates, including what to expect at your next dental appointment, go to www.oda.ca.
About the Ontario Dental Association
The ODA has been the voluntary professional association for dentists in Ontario since 1867. Today, we represent more than 9,000, or nine in 10, dentists across the province. The ODA is Ontario’s primary source of information on oral health and the dental profession. We advocate for accessible and sustainable optimal oral health for all Ontarians by working with health-care professionals, governments, the private sector and the public. For helpful dental care tips, visit www.youroralhealth.ca.