Candy fills your mouth with sugars that fuel oral bacteria and lead to dental decay. However, during candy-eating holidays like Halloween, it can be hard to say no to sweets. Here are three ways to avoid a candy binge and improve your dental care.

How to Avoid Eating Too Much Halloween Candy

1. Don’t Snack Throughout the Day

Every time you eat, the pH of your saliva becomes more acidic, putting you at a higher risk for dental decay. Snacking on candy throughout the day exposes your teeth to a lower pH for a longer period, softening your dental enamel and making it more vulnerable to bacterial acid damage.

If you decide to indulge in candy, keep in mind that eating changes the pH of your saliva within 5–20 minutes each time you snack. To minimize damage to your teeth, eat candy quickly, and limit your snacking.

2. Buy Candy You Don’t Like

While it’s traditional to pass out candy to kids in costume on Halloween, you might be tempted to treat yourself too. To avoid a binge, keep less candy in the house. If possible, only buy your candy supply on the day you hand it out.

Another smart strategy is to choose options that aren’t your favorite. For instance, if you prefer chocolate, fruity candies stocked up in the house won’t entice you.

3. Avoid Skipping Meals

When candy is the only food around, it’s more tempting to consume in mass quantities. Avoid skipping meals around Halloween, and go to holiday parties on a full stomach. Keep teeth-friendly snacks on hand, such as cut celery sticks or apple slices, so you aren’t tempted to eat candy.

In addition to practicing Halloween candy moderation, improve your dental care during the holidays with the help of Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS. With more than 27 years of experience, this talented dentist won the Best of West Hawaii in 2018 award for his commitment to excellence. To find out more about the dental care services offered, visit the website. Call (808) 322-0101 to make an appointment at the dental spa.