Trick yes, but no trick: how to protect your teeth on Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, a holiday that brings with it not only masks and disguises, but also the irresistible temptation of sweets. For many people, especially the younger ones, it is an opportunity to indulge in delicacies that are consumed more sparingly during the year. But, it is precisely during these festive times that we need to pay more attention to the health of our teeth!

The effects of sugars on teeth

The next few days will be a real challenge for our oral hygiene. The sugars, consumed in quantity, are among the main enemies of the teeth: feed the bacteria present in the mouth, which, by metabolizing them, produce acids capable of eroding dental enamel, thus promoting The occurrence of tooth decay.

The choice of sweets on Halloween

During Halloween it is common to run into sticky treats come lollipops, toffee and gummy bears: these snacks, in addition to being high in sugar, have a tendency to stick to your teeth, increasing the exposure time to sugars and thus the risk of tooth decay.

The milk chocolate, while sweet, is a slightly better choice since. melts quickly and tends not to stick to the teeth As much as gumdrops. And then there is the hero of the evening: the dark chocolate. Not everyone knows that dark chocolate, especially chocolate with a cocoa percentage of 70% or higher, is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, substances that have been shown to slow bacterial growth and fight halitosis, as well as Possess anti-cary properties.

Tips for a cavity-proof Halloween

Here are some tips for enjoying the holiday without neglecting oral health:

• Post-sweet brushing: after consuming sweets, it is essential brush teeth thoroughly, especially before going to bed.
• Beware of quantities: enjoy sweets, but try to do so in moderation. If possible, prefer those less sticky and less sugary.
• Water, your best friend: Drinking water after eating sweets helps clean the mouth from residual sugars and to neutralize acids.

[Medical Director: Dr. Mauro Savio, Member of the Dentists Register Provincial Order of Surgeons and Dentists of Milan n. 4168].