Dentist Warns That Everyday Habits May Be Scarier For Your Smile than Halloween Candy

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend over $4 billion on Halloween candy this year. Many children will get buckets or pillowcases filled with the sweet stuff after spending time trick-or-treating, attending parties, and going to trunk-or-treat events. While much of the media attention surrounding Halloween focuses on candy and its impact on children's teeth, one pediatric dentist Dr. Mira Albert is pointing out that everyday habits throughout the year have a bigger impact and can quietly take a toll on children's oral health long after the Halloween candy is gone.

“It's much scarier to look at the habits we have all year long when it comes to what impacts our children's teeth,” said Dr. Mira Albert, board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of Brush Pediatric Dentistry. “The things we do on a regular basis all year have a huge impact on the health of our teeth and smile. Now is a great time to look at those and see if there are improvements we can make.”

While eating too much Halloween candy can affect children's teeth, Albert says frequent sugar exposure, improper brushing techniques and other seemingly harmless habits can contribute to cavities, enamel erosion and other dental problems throughout the year. The good news is that recognizing these habits and making small adjustments to daily routines can help protect children's oral health year-round.

Here are some of the scary everyday habits that families should be aware of that may be negatively impacting their teeth:

• Grazing. It’s common practice for many people to snack or sip non-water beverages throughout the day. This grazing keeps a continuous supply of sugar and acid in the mouth, which can lead to the enamel being worn down and too much acid exposure.
• Brushing too soon after acidic foods or drinks. While it is great to brush your teeth, it’s not good to do so right after having acidic foods or drinks. This can temporarily cause the enamel to soften and lead to abrasive damage. Ideally, wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after having acidic food and beverages before brushing your teeth.
• Biting things you shouldn’t. Far too often, people use their teeth as tools to open packages or chew on objects that they shouldn’t be chewing on. This can lead to the teeth being damaged, chipped or cracked.
• Chewing on ice. Chewing on ice can damage the teeth or lead to gum injury and should be avoided. Plus, it can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency anemia. Those who like to chew ice regularly should consult with their doctor to ensure there is no underlying health issue prompting it.
• Not brushing before bed. Brushing the teeth before bed is crucial to help remove any bacteria and food particles. When this is not done, those things can end up creating bacteria in the mouth that can lead to cavities and gum issues.
• Brushing too hard. People often think they have to scrub their teeth hard to get them clean, but that’s simply not the case. Brushing hard can lead to gum recession and can erode the tooth enamel. Using a gentle brushing movement will help remove the plaque. Keep in mind that a frayed and hard-bristled toothbrush can also do harm.

“Kids are going to eat a lot of candy on Halloween and for a few days following it,” added Dr. Albert. “Let’s instead focus on what they are doing on a daily basis all year that has a much bigger impact. We want to take the best care of our teeth all year, not just in October.”

While Halloween candy may be a temporary concern, Albert encourages parents to focus on the habits that shape their children's oral health every day. Establishing consistent brushing routines, limiting frequent snacking and teaching children how to protect their teeth can make a lasting difference long after the Halloween decorations come down.

Dr. Albert welcomes patients at two locations in Illinois, including Hinsdale and Downers Grove. Brush Pediatric Dentistryspecializes in helping children with all aspects of preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services. To get more information and schedule an appointment, visit the website at: https://www.brushforkids.com/