Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and fun, but during all of the excitement, one thing you’ll want to keep in mind is your smile. After all, the plethora of sweets and treats that are present during this holiday certainly pose a threat to your dental wellness, and the very last thing you should want is for your smile to be the scariest part of your costume! Luckily, no matter what you’re planning to dress as, it’s relatively easy to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and beautiful; here are some tips to keep in mind,
1. Choose Your Candy Wisely
Halloween is known for two things – costumes and candy. Unfortunately, the latter can cause harm to your teeth and gums if you aren’t cautious. Sticky candies like caramels, gummy worms, taffy, and other similar items can cling to the teeth and increase the risk of cavities – which is especially bad for patients with braces. Likewise, particularly hard candies like jawbreakers, lollipops, and Jolly Ranchers have the potential to chip or crack teeth, as well as expose them to sugar for longer periods of time. If you can, opt for chocolate candies since they rinse off teeth more easily. Sugar-free substitutes are always a wise option, too.
Also, under no circumstances should you ever open candy wrappers with your teeth! This is a sure way to damage your enamel; use your hands or scissors instead!
2. Stay Hydrated All Day Long
Sugary treats can cause plaque buildup, especially if you’re snacking all throughout the day and night. Since it’s unlikely that you’ll be brushing your teeth after every piece of candy you eat, you should be sure that you’re drinking plenty of water during the day—especially if you’re snacking—to help keep yourself hydrated. It’ll stimulate your flow of saliva, which is your first line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria. Take a refillable water bottle with you if you’re going out, and be sure to hydrate throughout the day before your plans. However, just keep in mind that dark-colored beverages and sugary sodas and coffees aren’t ideal for hydration since they can pose a threat to your teeth!
3. Brush and Floss After the Festivities
It’s pretty easy to get caught up in having fun during Halloween, but after an exciting night, it can be tempting to go straight to bed without brushing or flossing – and this is not a good idea, especially if you’ve been indulging in sweets! This just means you’re letting those lingering, sugary food particles sit on your teeth all night long, giving them a chance to wreak havoc. Do your smile a favor and give it the edge it needs to fight cavities by brushing and flossing twice a day and especially on Halloween.
Halloween may only come once a year, but a healthy smile is something you’ll want every single day of the year. That said, be sure that no matter how you’re celebrating this year, your smile stands out in a positive way!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Costa and our team here in Worcester have proudly served the dental needs of local families for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and many other types of services. Dr. Costa himself earned his DMD from the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and knows just what it takes to maintain a healthy smile, and he’s ready to work with you to achieve your smile goals. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up a consultation, please visit us online or call us today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 755-1980.