Trick or Treat. You always pick the treat…who wouldn't? We always get comments from patients (especially parents) about Halloween candy and cavities. Well, it's not the candy that’s the problem. Halloween and cavities - let’s talk about it.
The arch enemy of dentists: candy right? Wrong. WE LOVE CANDY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. Does candy cause cavities? Yes, but it doesn't have to. (Click here to read our post on the best and worst Halloween candy for your teeth!) The issue with candy typically is not the candy itself but more so the frequency. Here let me explain.
Your mouth has an environment that it enjoys (just like my AC people who keep it below 70 degrees). Disruptors of this environment typically include food and beverages - main offenders being foods high in carbohydrates, acids, and sugars. Once these items are ingested, the body works hard to bring the oral cavity back to its equilibrium i.e. happy environment.
So, What Is The Problem With Halloween Candy?
Now, the problem is not that you ingested sugars, carbs etc. - the problem is the frequency. Steady snackers are prone to more cavities.
Why?
Because the body works hard to bring the oral cavity back to its happy place and right when it is close - you ingest another food high in sugar. This in turn causes your body to start back at square one and the longer you stay out of this equilibrium the more susceptible you are to cavities.
So, What Is The Solution?
So here is the solution. Sit down (if you want), eat your candy, and go on with your day. I would rather you eat 2 snickers during lunch than 2 snickers - one at 1pm and another at 215pm. This is why we often recommend drinking your favorite surgery beverages during a meal. This is when your body is out of its equilibrium already and the best time to get all those sweet treats in. Otherwise, with snacking throughout the day you are constantly out of your mouth’s happy place and this is where cavities arise.
If you do choose to snack, try to brush after or rinse with water. This will aid your body in bringing you back to homeostasis. Happy Halloween! Enjoy those treats!
