Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year if you’re a candy connoisseur; between candy bowls at work, trick-or-treating with the kids, and all kinds of festive desserts, there are sweets almost everywhere the eye can see! That said, this also makes it a little tougher to ensure you’re making smile-friendly choices and practicing good oral hygiene habits. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your sweet tooth satisfied without harming your teeth.
Tip #1. Choose Your Candy Wisely
Not all Halloween candies are created equal! Sticky, chewy, or particularly tough-to-eat candies that contain caramel, taffy, or even sour gummies tend to cling to your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities. Hard candies, like jawbreakers and lollipops, might also harm the teeth when bitten into directly. Instead, go for treats that dissolve quickly and can be rinsed off easily, like chocolate (or dark chocolate, since it has less sugar content).
Tip #2. Enjoy Your Candy with Meals
Eating candy right after a meal can actually be less harmful to your teeth than eating it on its own. This is because your mouth produces more saliva during meals, which is your body’s first line of defense against cavities and harmful oral bacteria. It helps to wash away particles and neutralize acids before they can begin causing harm.
Tip #3. Rinse or Brush After Snacking
One of the best things you can do immediately after enjoying some candy is to take a drink or rinse your mouth out with some water. This helps to further wash away sugary particles to prevent them from remaining hidden inside your mouth. Then, after half an hour, brush your teeth; you’ll want to wait so that your enamel isn’t quite so vulnerable by the time you pick up your toothbrush. Definitely be sure you’re brushing your teeth before heading to bed!
Tip #4. Don’t Forget a Dental Checkup
The Halloween season can get pretty hectic, but it’s also a great time to schedule one of your biannual routine dental visits—before the holiday season hits and you’re absolutely swamped! Regular checkups and cleanings ensure that there are no lurking problems that might spawn a dental emergency and ruin your Halloween plans. If it’s been longer than six months since your last appointment, don’t wait to schedule one.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Zelia Cannon and Dr. James Shahinian, our team here at Gentle Dentistry of Sparta has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Sparta and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a wide range of services, ranging from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex and restorative procedures, as well as a wide variety of cosmetic solutions. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (973) 729-9044.