Our Periodontist in Winter Park, FL, Provides Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Halloween

Halloween is beloved by many, but possibly no more than by children. This time of year brings many fun and festive traditions and treats, and while it’s okay to indulge, it’s important not to lose focus on your kids’ dental health. Our periodontist in Winter Park FL provides tips and techniques to keep everyone’s smile looking great.

At Central Florida Periodontics, we know that brushing and flossing are the best way to stay ahead of oral health issues. So whether you enjoy Halloween candy, chocolate, or candy apples, remember to follow with brushing your teeth and flossing thoroughly to prevent dental health issues.

The American Dental Association has several tips for keeping your mouth healthy for Halloween and the rest of the year.

  • Instead of snacking throughout the day, time your candy consumption with a meal or shortly after that. Saliva production is increased during meals, which can cancel out acids produced by bacteria and rinse away food particles.
  • Avoid sticky or long-lasting hard candies. Sticky candies cling to your teeth, and candies that stay in the mouth for a long time subject your teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay.
  • Eat and drink healthy. Drinking more water (especially those that are fluoridated), avoiding sweetened beverages, and eating a healthy diet can help prevent tooth decay.
  • Stay on top of oral hygiene. Chewing ADA-Seal gum can help reduce tooth decay, and regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can prevent problems from occurring.

Oral Hygiene Is Key

As one of the best ways to prevent periodontal disease, thorough tooth brushing and flossing should be a key part of you and your children’s dental health routine. When done twice daily, a regular routine can not only improve your overall oral health but prevent future financial stresses as well.

While brushing, it’s recommended that the toothbrush is held at a 45-degree angle at the meeting point of the gums and teeth. Light pressure in small, gentle, circular strokes should be applied across all surfaces of the teeth.

With tops and bottoms of teeth, adjust the angle of the toothbrush in several directions to ensure that all surfaces have been brushed adequately.

Flossing is imperative to preventing periodontal disease, as it cleans areas where toothbrushes can’t reach. Proper flossing effectively removes plaque and food buildup from between the teeth. This is done by wrapping floss around the middle fingers of each hand, holding the floss between the forefinger and thumb, and utilizing a back-and-forth motion against the teeth. Additionally, a C-shape curve will help to reach the entire surface.

Professional Cleaning and Treatments

At-home brushing and flossing is just the beginning of good dental health. It’s important to make regular visits to your periodontist and dentist at least twice a year. This practice will help keep your teeth clean by removing any built-up plaque and tartar that are missed during at-home care.

So go ahead and savor the season, but remember to take care of your teeth – your smile (and your periodontist) will thank you.

If you want Central Florida Periodontics to help you love your smile, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our professional periodontist in Winter Park, FL.