Dental Care Tips For Halloween

Halloween is a fun time for everyone, especially children. While you enjoy the festivities with your family and friends, don’t forget to take care of your dental health.

Halloween Candy & Sweets

Remember that certain foods and drinks will damage your teeth and will stick to your enamel, even if you brush afterward. Although sugary treats are okay in moderation, you should still brush your teeth after consuming them to prevent tooth decay from occurring. The acids that are found in candy can cause cavities and decay to develop. If you do consume a lot of sweets or candies on Halloween night, make sure you’re taking good care of your mouth by brushing regularly as well as flossing and rinsing daily. Talk with your dentist during your next checkup to find out if they recommend any particular type of mouthwash to use to keep your oral health up to par. Your dentist may also recommend that you come in more often for checkups and cleanings if you are more susceptible to developing cavities.

Simply because Halloween is a night filled with sweet treats does not mean you have to completely avoid all of your favorite foods. You can still enjoy a few of your children’s trick-or-treat favorites but try to be mindful of how often and how much you consume. Try to avoid sticky and hard candies as they will stick on your teeth and gums longer than other types of treats. Sticky candies can also get stuck between teeth, on the gums, and in other areas of the oral cavity. Hard candies can cause damage to tooth enamel and cause major damage to your teeth over time. Also, keep in mind that some chocolates are better than others when it comes to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful. Some chocolates may cause discoloration to occur on your smile if you are not careful about how you eat them. Dark chocolate may be a better option since it is less of a risk to the condition of your teeth. White chocolate is also a safe option since there is less sugar in it compared to other kinds of chocolate candy. Plus, you can still enjoy gumdrops, gummy worms, and other soft candies since they are less harmful to your teeth than hard candies. Just make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after eating any of these treats to ensure that no residue is left in your mouth.

Drink Water

Drink plenty of water while you’re out trick-or-treating and attending parties, so your mouth stays hydrated. Your saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath and tooth decay. If your mouth is dry, it can create the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow, leading to oral health problems.

If you suffer from dry mouth due to medications you’re taking or other health conditions, talk to your doctor about ways to treat the condition before you attend any Halloween festivities. A dry mouth can lead to serious oral health issues such as gum disease.

Halloween Oral Hygiene

Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well! This will remove lingering food particles that can attract bacteria to your mouth. You can use a tongue scraper to remove even more bacteria and freshen your breath. Consider using mouthwash or a water flosser for an extra thorough clean. Flossing is also important, as removing extra debris from between teeth can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. 

If you want to learn more, call us at (630) 364-2554, and book your appointment with the dentist in our practice located in Naperville, IL. We will be happy to guide you further.