Halloween is a fun holiday; there are costumes, haunted houses, tricks, and, of course, treats. Kids aren’t the only ones eating candy on Halloween, either. While trick-or-treating is a fun pastime, the Connecticut-based dentist Joy Lunan DDS warns against eating too much sugar for Halloween. What can seem like a carefree activity can lead to cavities and gum disease. 

Joy K Lunan offers a few more reasons to go light on the candy this year, and to tell the kids to do so, too:

• Tooth Decay: Candy is dangerous because the bacteria that cause tooth decay feed on sugar. When sugar is left on or between your teeth, bacteria spreads and can cause tooth enamel to weaken. Eventually, this leads to cavities. This is especially common when you eat sticky candies, like taffy, gummies, and caramels.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease is a serious issue that can lead to major infections and even losing your teeth. If you eat candy without effective dental hygiene practices, the sugar can damage gums, causing gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. If the disease progresses too far, you may even need to have dental implants. You can prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing regularly, and by visiting your dentist every six months for scheduled teeth cleanings.
• Plaque Buildup: You may notice a layer of sticky film over your teeth; this is called plaque buildup, and it can cause teeth to appear mossy, yellowed, and dull. The stickiness of plaque attracts acid, and that acid contributes to tooth decay. In short, plaque leads to much larger whole-mouth problems, and it can only be effectively removed by a teeth cleaning session with your dentist.

Joy Lunan DDS has been serving the Middlebury, CT area for over 20 years, and in that time she and her associates have seen many patients who have eaten too much Halloween candy. This season, take a moment to think about your health when you're deciding whether or not to dig-in on sour gummies. To schedule an appointment with the experienced dentist, call (203) 598-7920. If you'd like to learn more about the practice and preventative dental care, you can also visit their website.