As we approach the spooky Halloween season, children and adults must remember that oral health and wellness go hand-in-hand with careful candy consumption during this sugar-filled time of year! At Hunters Point Dentistry of Long Island City, New York, Dr. Elana Cho educates her patients on keeping their teeth healthy every day of the year, not just on Halloween night! In the spirit of the holidays, let’s discuss some fun facts related to dental health and wellness!
- Trick-or-treating for candy started back in the 16th century. The history of trick-or-treating in costume dates back to the 16th century in Ireland and Scotland and became a tradition of putting on performances to be rewarded with candy or food by neighbors. It continues to this day as a Halloween tradition for many families throughout the United States!
- A dentist invented cotton candy! Dr. William Morrison, in 1897, worked alongside John Wharton, a candy maker in Tennessee, to develop “fairy floss” which is now commonly known as cotton candy! This sugary treat is fun to eat, but we advise patients to be mindful of eating it in moderation and taking care of their teeth immediately after consumption.
- The acid levels of sour candy are similar in pH level to battery acid. The scary truth about sour candy is that it can be highly damaging to natural tooth enamel due to its pH levels, similar to the pH levels of battery acid. Brushing your teeth as soon as possible after enjoying sour snacks can benefit the health of your smile!
- Chewing gum can be healthy! When considering chewing gum this Halloween, look for sugar- free gum with xylitol, a sugar substitute with much fewer cavities than regular sugar, and can improve oral health by stimulating saliva production while chewing.
- Why are they called fang teeth? When we think of fangs during Halloween, we often think of werewolves and vampires. The fang teeth gained their name from their sharper and more pointed appearance, similar to a dog’s canine teeth.
Schedule an appointment with a dentist “near me” in the Long Island City, New York area!
Not all candies are created equal regarding their impact on the teeth, so knowing ways to keep your
smile healthy even after a night of sweet treats is critical to avoiding disease and decay. If you are
looking for a trustworthy and reliable provider in the area for your oral health and wellness, we invite
you to call Hunters Point Dentistry at (347) 507-5759. Dr. Elana Cho is pleased to serve patients in and
around the area, including the cities of Astoria, Sunnyside, Green Point, and Manhattan, at her office,
conveniently located at 10-27 Jackson Avenue.