Torbram Dental weighs in on this Halloween season and the top ten tips to guard oral health. (Source: Canadian Dental Association, Helpful Tips for Healthy Smiles at Halloween, http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_children/halloween.asp ).
This Halloween, let’s look at ten helpful dental care tips to guard your oral health!
Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it’s also hard on your teeth. You risk consuming too much sugar between the candy and the festive snacking, which can lead to cavities or even gum disease if you’re not careful. Many people don’t think of their dental health during the Halloween season. It’s essential to keep in mind that excess sugar consumption is harmful to your dental hygiene as well as your overall health.
Sugar reacts with the bacteria within the plaque and reacts with it to produce acid. This acid is responsible for tooth decay as it slowly dissolves the enamel cover of the teeth, creating cavities in them. This can lead to tooth abscesses, which may ultimately result in the tooth having to be removed. The good news is that you can enjoy Halloween by following specific health tips shared by the Canadian Dental Association – read below to know more!
Tips for a healthy Halloween
The first tip shared by the Canadian Dental Association is to have a game plan. Torbram Dental states that having a strategy before heading out for trick-or-treating is a great way to set healthy boundaries. For example, instead of visiting the whole neighbourhood, visit the houses on a few streets. The duration of trick-or-treating matters to ensure things do not go out of hand. Set a timer as you stroll the streets to let your young ones know it’s time to head home. You can easily set up a treats-per-day limit by ensuring sugar intake does not exceed 50 g a day. By reading the nutrition facts label carefully – you can be aware of whether you are crossing the limit or not. Limiting sugar and treats is not only meant for children; adults also need a reminder or two to limit their sweets. Torbram Dental suggests dividing treats into sandwich bags or, as the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind,” place treats where they are not easily accessible.
The second tip is all about eating treats only during meals. Torbram Dental shares that aligning candy consumption with meal times can help the sugar concentration not to spike too much. The food helps to slow down the digestive process. We can end a nice meal on a sweeter note by having a small treat at a time. This would make us appreciate the treat a lot more too! Parents can also take the initiative by teaching their kids the benefit of eating a healthy meal together as a family without sugary distractions.
The third tip is about using smaller trick-or-treat bags and cutting out candies that are not preferred to reduce waste. According to Torbram Dental, this has several benefits, such as the most apparent reduced sugar intake. Some homes give the option of small trinkets, toys, or activity books. We recommend speaking to your neighbours and discussing other trick-or-treat options!
The fourth tip concerns properly fitting costumes to prevent trips & falls. Torbram Dental suggests that apart from correct fitting, it is also essential to ensure the costume’s weight distribution is appropriately adjusted. Therefore, preventing any accidental trips or falls that may result in a dental emergency.
The fifth tip advises kids to avoid masks, and Torbram Dental could not agree more. Masks make it difficult to breathe and difficult to see things. It is advisable to use a safe make-up kit instead.
We’re halfway there; let’s look at the remaining tips
The sixth is about parents being responsible for what treats their kids eat. According to Torbram Dental – this is a no-brainer! – Being mindful of which ingredient might cause an allergic reaction is paramount. Hard candies are not recommended for those with braces or with sensitive teeth. It is vital to check treats and trick-or-treat bags thoroughly after the kids return home for safety.
The seventh tip is about being disciplined and consuming treats at a specific time of day, not gorging on them constantly. Torbram Dental suggests following the second tip to resolve this problem and ideally only consuming treats during the daytime before physical activity. Brushing and flossing your teeth after having a treat is also highly advisable to prevent tooth decay!
Number eight is about eating a balanced diet. According to Torbram Dental, it is important to teach kids that healthy meals and snacks are better for their health and should always come first. Little ones should have a nutritious meal before going out. This will ensure they indulge less in sugary treats.
The ninth tip advises practicing brushing, flossing, and rinsing after eating sugar-filled treats. Torbram Dental suggests parents to encourage this habit in their kids early on, regardless of seasonal festivities. This will significantly reduce the risks of cavity build-up and tooth decay by removing the sugars and acids.
Lastly, the tenth tip is about not being scared of Halloween and candies; instead, being mindful of celebrating it responsibly by following these tips. Torbram Dental expresses that Halloween is not only about candy consumption. It can be celebrated by watching a spooky movie as a family or with friends. Kids can also have fun at fall festivals, carving pumpkins, baking treats, crafting, or having a game night.
Now that you are equipped with all these tips and tricks follow them this Halloween to ensure optimal oral health for your family. Torbram Dental wishes you a spooky and safe Halloween ahead!
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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