Make Mindful Candy Choices This Halloween

Halloween is before us and what more to look forward to than households of children amped up on sugar while their precious teeth remain coated in sticky treats. Let’s not take away their treat-filled fun, but we can certainly help to make it a healthier experience for their smiles, right?

While all candy is delicious and most often packed with sugar, there are some candy choices that are better than others. Here are some questions to keep in mind when choosing what your trick-or-treaters will be snacking on: How sticky is the candy? How long will it take to consume? Is it high in acidity? Each of these questions will help gauge how the candy impacts oral hygiene.

 

Sticky Candy (Snickers, Starburst, Charleston Chew, etc.):

Candy that sticks to the teeth is more difficult to clean off of the teeth. It’s that simple. Unless the teeth are brushed immediately after consumption, these types of candies are popular in the cavity department. Interestingly enough, if you choose a sticky candy bar, keep in mind that several studies have stated that dark chocolate can help fight against tooth decay. Another tip, nuts help to separate the candy from teeth while also providing dietary value with protein and fiber.

Long-lasting Candy (lollipops, Jawbreakers, sugar-filled bubble gums):

When we expose our teeth to sugars and acidity for long periods of time, we increase the chance of a cavity. However, there are lollipop options like LoLoz that contain zero sugar and actually promote healthy teeth, or Dr. John’s lollipops, THRIVE, which are also sugar free. Xylitol is the sugar alternative in these two treats.

Acidic Candy (Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, Nerds, etc.):

I’m sure you’re wondering how to know when a candy is acidic? Well, if the candy is sour, then it’s definitely acidic. Though these lip-puckering candies are a big hit with the kiddos, they have a tendency to strip the enamel from teeth. The job of tooth enamel is to protect the teeth from decay, so it’s certainly best to keep that enamel in place. A healthier alternative to sour candy? Unfortunately, this is a difficult one to substitute for trick-or-treaters, but a granny smith apple is great for the everyday snack.

 

Candy happens. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush after eating and to consume in moderation, but if after the Halloween season passes you feel a cleaning is necessary—we are happy to help. Call us anytime at 207-781-5900.

 

Prevent Oral Ailments with Dental Radiography

We often associate X-rays with broken bones, and because of this we think of them as being part of diagnostic rather than preventative medicine. In dentistry, however, it’s different. Dental X-rays play an invaluable role in detecting problems before they become major and are an important tool that we use to judge the progress of ailments.

You’re familiar with the lead vest and being asked to bite down on various shaped pieces of plastic. If you’ve ever wondered what these methods are, here is a rundown of each type of dental X-ray and what each accomplishes:

Intraoral

Bite-wing 

Dental Radiography - intraoral - bite-wing

  • Gives us a view of in between the back teeth – molars and bicuspids
  • Assess the health of bone surrounding the teeth
  • Used to see cavities

Periapical

  • Gives a detailed picture of an entire tooth from root to crown and the surrounding bone
  • Used to check for infection (abscess)

Occlusal

  • Used frequently in children to view tooth development and placement
  • Bird’s eye view showing all of the lower or upper teeth and jaw

 

Extraoral

Panoramic

Dental radiography - extraoral - panoramic x-ray

  • Taken from outside the mouth, they show the teeth, jawbones, and skull
  • One image that shows the entire mouth
  • This is accomplished by a special machine that moves in a full rotation around your head
  • A ‘landscape’ image which shows more anatomical structures than other X-ray techniques

Cephalometric

  • An image of the entire side of the head
  • Used frequently by orthodontists to assess the position of teeth relative to the skull

CBCT (Cone Beam)

  • 3-D image that can be used to evaluate hard and soft tissue prior to treatment

 

Various X-ray techniques are important for catching many dental ailments before they get worse, such as cavities or gum disease. We recommend having bite-wing x-rays once a year for general maintenance. If more complicated treatment is needed, then different x-rays may be needed.  If it’s time for you to have new X-rays, give us a call at 207-781-5900 to make an appointment.