Don't end up with teeth like these!
While Halloween might be over, you probably have enough candy to last you until at least next Halloween now, especially if you have kids or didn’t receive an anticipated high number of tricker treaters. The average bag of loot from tricker treating contains around 11,000 calories worth of sweets! On average, Americans buy 600 millions pounds of candy for Halloween. That candy doesn’t just go away, it just changes from one hand to another.
As your dentist, we feel obliged to share some helpful information for keeping your mouth and body healthy now that you have an abundance of candy at your disposal.
First and foremost, don’t forget to brush and floss at least twice a day. It is also important to brush and floss after eating candy. As we all know, sugar is a mortal enemy of your teeth! Sticky and hard candies are especially detrimental.
Make sure that you drink plenty of water. Aside from the health benefits and importance of staying hydrated, drinking water will help rinse the mouth of sugar after eating candy. Avoid drinking sugary juices and sodas. We recommend staying away from sugary drinks at all times, but especially when you are consuming extra sugar by enjoying your Halloween treats.
Save your candy consumption for after meals. You are less likely to over consume when you have a belly full of a nutritious meal. Your Halloween candy should be a treat, not a meal. Smarties candy has the least amount of calories, only 25 calories a pack, if you are looking for a calorie-smart choice. Also, opt for mini or fun-sized candies instead of eating a whole full sized bar or pack.
Sugar is addicting. The more you eat the more you will crave. Be wary of high fructose corn syrup, which unfortunately seems to be in everything. This refined sugar can affect your memory, cause inflammation in your brain, and numb leptin, the hormone that tells your body when it is full.
Save some for next Halloween. Chocolate, especially when kept in the freezer, is good for up to two years. Just because you have it, doesn’t mean you have to eat it or have to eat it everyday. Enjoy your post-Halloween treats in small moderation. You’ll enjoy them more if you savor them instead of binge eating them.
We wish you a sweet week that is full of smiles!