The Ontario Dental Association is warning residents to watch what they eat this Halloween.
They say that many treats can lead to cavities and other dental related issues. “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 ODA says in a release.
It has provided a list of tips to use this weekend, including what foods to avoid eating:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
