Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year. However, with all the excitement, people tend to forget their oral hygiene habits. Without following adequate dental hygiene practices, you can end up with cavities, bad breath, discolored teeth, and gum disease.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Candies
If you dress up this Halloween with a costume of fangs, avoid hard candies like caramel or Werther’s Originals. Hard foods can break off crowns and fillings, so opt for soft options like chocolate, jelly beans, or gum drops.
Additionally, if you’re throwing a party, make sure to avoid sticky sweets like gummy worms or Tootsie Rolls. Sticky foods can attach themselves to teeth and create cavities for your teeth. If you can’t resist the sugary treats, try to brush your teeth right after eating candy to rinse away the cavity-causing bacteria.
Protect Your Smile
Don’t forget to use a mouthguard if you play sports on or around Halloween. A custom mouth guard from your dentist can protect your teeth and gums from any stray elbows or knees or even a stray ball to the face. 1 in 5 people will be wearing a mouth guard while playing a sport this year.
Limit Candies for Kids
If your children are trick-or-treating, make sure they know not to eat any candy until they get home. Candies can get stuck in between teeth and cause cavities. If they do eat some sweets, make sure they brush their teeth and floss after eating. This will help remove any leftover sugars from their teeth.
If kids do eat a lot of candy on Halloween night, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with their dentist before the holidays are over. That way, the dentist can examine the mouth to see if there are any signs of decay on the teeth that haven’t yet developed. The earlier decay is detected and treated, the easier it will be for the dentist to restore any damage that has occurred.
Try Good Candies
Keep in mind that not all types of candy are bad for teeth; some can actually help keep them healthy. For example, dark chocolate has tons of health benefits, including helping fight cavities. Dark chocolate is also great for fighting inflammation since it contains tannins. This can help your gums stay healthy and happy!
Dr. Lisa Baker and her caring team want their Bloomington area patients to enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles. For more information on dental procedures, call us for a consultation at (812) 269-8230.
