Halloween is around the corner, and its everyone’s favorite time of year to indulge in more sugary snacks then usual. It’s important to protect your teeth from all the candied apples and chewy foods that can take a toll on your dental health this fall.

What sugar does to your teeth

Usually when we eat sugary foods we worry about one outcome: a cavity. But how do these cavities form? As much as we may not like to believe it, a lot of bacteria live in our mouths, which is also referred to as plaque when it starts to build up on the teeth. This kind of bacteria loves sugar just as much as we do, and together, the bacteria and sugar create acids that begins to eat away at your teeth’s enamel.

Prevention

Fluoride is going to be your best friend when it comes to tooth decay prevention. Fluoride can strengthen the enamel and can help aid in repairing damaged enamel by preventing the acids that damage your teeth from forming. Be sure you are always using toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride unless told otherwise by a medical professional.

Drink plenty of water after eating to help flush out any remains left behind. It should be fairly obvious, but flossing is extremely important for stubborn and sticky food that needs an extra push to make its way out of your teeth.

Choose the right treats

Some candy has added citric acid, usually anything fruity or sour. Chocolate treats are usually the “healthier” route to take from a dental health perspective. Minimizing the exposure your teeth has to acid will reduce your chances of acid weakening your teeth.

By being aware of what types of sugars you are consuming and how you are taking care of what’s left behind on your teeth, you can get ahead of the potential damage that can become amplified during the Halloween season.