Happy Halloween!

Halloween is just around the corner. Here are three tips to help avoid "Belly Tricks" this Halloween!

1. Sugar destroys your enamel

The natural bugs in your mouth break down sugar. The byproduct of that reaction is acid. If acid stays on your teeth, the acid will destroy your teeth's protective enamel. 

Solution: Eat just one piece of candy at a time instead of snacking on the candy all day. Brush your teeth directly after eating the candy.

2. Tacky treats cause cavities

Laffy Taffy, Tootsie Rolls, and caramels hang around in your teeth and mouth crevices for a long time because they are so sticky. This gives bacteria an extended amount of time to rot your teeth and cause cavities.

Solution: Make sure you brush and floss your teeth after eating the candy.

3. Chocolate causes heartburn

Chocolate bars are high in fat and chocolate contains caffeine.  Unhealthy fats and caffeine can trigger acid reflux. Chocolate also releases serotonin which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and allows acid to move from the stomach into the esophagus leading to heartburn. 

Solution: Eat chocolate in small amounts such as the mini version of your favorite candy bar. Pick something with nuts and try to choose dark chocolate since it causes less heartburn.

Stay safe this Halloween and have fun Trick-or-Treating!