For many people, Halloween is all about candy. And while a sweet treat every once in a while doesn’t hurt, too much candy can greatly increase your risk for cavities and other dental problems. Fortunately, your dentist has a few tips that will make the Halloween season less scary for your teeth. Here are 5 things you can do to keep your smile safe.
1. Be Picky When Sorting Your Candy
Some candy is more dangerous for your oral health than others. When sorting through your Halloween stash, try removing as many particularly harmful sweets as possible. Some types of candy to watch out for include:
- Sticky candies that can cling to your teeth and extend the amount of time they’re exposed to sugar
- Hard candies that stay in your mouth for a long time and can crack your enamel if you bite on them
- Sour candies that tend to be highly acidic and can significantly weaken your teeth
Remember that chocolate and sugarless gum are the safest candy options when it comes to oral health. Chocolate washes off the teeth easily, and sugarless gum helps increase saliva flow to keep your mouth clean.
2. Eat Your Candy Around Mealtimes
The healthiest way to enjoy candy is to eat it during or after a meal. Saliva production increases at mealtime, which helps wash away the sugar in your mouth before it can do too much damage to your teeth. Try to avoid snacking on candy throughout the day; you want to keep the amount of time sugar is touching your teeth to a minimum.
3. Drink Water After Enjoying Candy
Rinsing out your mouth with water can help you get rid of sugar before it causes any permanent damage inside your mouth. As such, having a glass of water nearby is a good idea whenever you indulge in candy; take a quick drink once you’ve finished your treat.
4. Be Diligent About Brushing and Flossing
You probably already know how important it is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. These simple steps become even more important when you’re exposing your smile to more sugar than usual. Make sure that you stick to a strict oral hygiene routine before, during, and after Halloween.
5. Set Up an Appointment with Your Dentist
Cavities can start to form without you noticing, so it’s a good idea to schedule a dental checkup shortly after Halloween. Your dentist will be able to check for signs of decay so that it can be treated early on, and they can give you further advice for taking care of your smile at home.
With the above tips, you can look forward to a fun-filled Halloween while avoiding dental disasters. Remember: when it comes to oral health, it always pays to be proactive about avoiding problems rather than trying to have them treated after the fact.
About the Author
Dr. Hal M. Lippard has been practicing in Charlottesville for decades and is a very active member of The Charlottesville-Albemarle Dental Society. He welcomes patients of all ages and is always happy to be able to help people achieve healthier smiles. If you would like to schedule a post-Halloween appointment at his office, visit his website or call (434) 293-9311.