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It’s Cavity Time: Your Guide to Halloween Candy | Tyngsboro Dentist

It’s that time of year again, folks – the spookiest night of the year. And we are all prepared for those tiny ghosts and goblins to haunt our houses, looking for tasty treats. But before you head out for candy in that plastic pumpkin, keep these tips in mind to maintain a healthy smile:

Candy corn. Even though candy corn is a Halloween candy trademark, it is one of the worst Halloween candies for your teeth because it has a high amount of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay.

Caramel apple lollipops. Caramel apple suckers are also a huge symbol of Halloween, but they are extremely bad for your teeth. Not only do they have a caramel coating that can get stuck in your teeth, but they also have a high amount of sugar that can cause tooth decay.

Chewy candy. Chewy candy like Starburst and gummy bears can hit the spot sometimes, but also cause cavities in your teeth because it gets stuck in the crevices of your teeth, unable to be removed by your toothbrush alone.

Filled chocolates. Candy bars are one of the most popular items to give out on Halloween, but chocolates filled with caramel, cream, or coconut are bad for your teeth. They stick to your teeth like chewy candy, allowing bacteria to feed on it and cause tooth decay.

As you indulge in those Halloween sweets, make sure to give your teeth a quick brushing afterwards. And if you don’t have a toothbrush handy, give your teeth a quick rinse with some water until you can get home for a good brushing. Enjoy the night!

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Brighten that Smile | Tyngsboro Dentist

When looking to brighten our smiles, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the options. From toothpastes and over-the-counter products to professional whitening treatments, how does one even choose?

  • Whitening rinses use hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth, and it may take 8-12 weeks to see any results.
  • Whitening toothpastes use both a mild abrasive and a peroxide-like whitening agent, and can lighten one shade in 4-12 weeks, depending on the brand.
  • Over-the-counter whitening gels and strips use a stronger dose of peroxide and are typically worn for less than an hour per day. Results can be seen within a few days, and when used properly, can lighten a few shades over the course of a typical two-week treatment.
  • Tray based tooth whitening, typically provided by a dentist for home use, use stronger agents than over the counter whitening gels, and provide better results in similar time periods.

While all of these over-the-counter options typically work, their level of effectiveness will depend on how regularly they are used, and how stained the patient’s teeth are to start. In-office whitening tends to be far stronger – the dentist can apply the bleaching agent in very strong doses and use laser/light/heat for increased effectiveness. In as little as 30 minutes, in-office treatments can provide significant whitening, though your dentist can provide multiple procedures for even better results.

If you’re interested in tooth whitening, ask your dentist about services they provide and any product recommendations they may have, depending on how many shades of lightening you expect.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.