6 Most Common Causes of a Toothache
Toothaches can indicate a severe underlying problem with your oral health. Here are six typical causes of toothache and the steps you should take to resolve them.
Top 3 Worst Halloween Candies
If We Have to Choose Just 3..Top 3 Worst Halloween Candies
Let’s face it: at the end of this month, our children are going to marinate their teeth in sugar. And we are probably going to sneak a few of their Halloween treasures after they go to bed. It’s for their own good, after all. Knowing that Halloween and its bounty of treats are part of the magic of childhood, the best we can do is be informed about what the worst Halloween candies are, for our sweet children’s teeth.
Be on high-alert for candies that are:
Chewy/Gummy Halloween Candies
Chewy candies such as caramel and taffy are expert at sticking in every groove and between every tooth. This is also true of gummy candies such as fruit snacks, gummy bears, gummy worms, gummy rings, etc. Once the delectable goo from these treats sticks to a tooth’s surface, it is hard for saliva to wash it away. As the sugar sits, bacteria in the mouth starts breaking it down into acid. As you can imagine, acid starts breaking teeth down into cavities. Even if they try to lull you into a false sense of security by claiming to be “naturally fruit flavored,” these candies are still as harmful as the artificial stuff.
Hard Halloween Candies
Hard candies, like lollipops and Jolly Ranchers, don’t stick to teeth the same way the gummy and chewy kind do, but the effects are equally nefarious: these candies take a long time to dissolve, rinsing the mouth in destructive sugars that turn into acids. Not to mention that hard candies are sometimes the cause of chipped teeth, which can be painful!
Sour Halloween Candies
There are a lot of popular sour candies. The danger in these types of treats is that they are already loaded with citric acids. That is what makes them so face-twistingly fun! But that acid mixed with sugar wreaks havoc on your mouth and your teeth alike.
Nobody wants to ruin the joy of Halloween! Allowing our children, and ourselves, to indulge in a few treats occasionally is fun. If we are aware of what is being consumed, we can be vigilant about taking steps to help clean the teeth after even the worst Halloween candies are consumed. At least rinsing with water and of course, when possible, brushing immediately after consumption are good ways to clean off acids that would attack the teeth. Brushing and flossing is your best defense.
So stock up on new toothbrushes and have a happy healthy Halloween!
You Might Also Enjoy...
How Often Do I Need Dental X-rays?
Everyone’s oral health is unique and so is their need for dental X-rays. While there isn’t a one-size-fits all recommendation for the frequency of dental X-rays, read on to get a better understanding of how often you may benefit from imaging.
5 Ways to Keep Your Teeth White
If you want to maintain a pearly white smile, you need to take some strategic steps. These five things limit your likelihood of tooth discoloration to keep your smile white through the years.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
If you’re putting off getting dental implants out of fear the procedure hurts, relax. These life-changing prosthetics offer lots of gain without pain. Read on to learn more.
Who's a Candidate for Dentures?
Dentures are an ideal tooth replacement option for anyone with numerous gaps in their smile — including those who’ve lost all their teeth. Learn more here.
Why Do I Have White Spots on My Teeth?
Everybody wants bright, white teeth, and you’re no exception. But instead, you have bright white spots that make your teeth look mottled. What causes white spots on your teeth? How can you eliminate them and have uniformly white, bright teeth?