Halloween is a time for spooky fun, exciting costumes, and of course, indulging in all kinds of sweet treats and candies! But while enjoying the season, it’s essential to keep your pearly whites in mind—after all, you wouldn’t want them to become a scary part of your costume! Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ensure that your smile is as healthy and beautiful as possible this Halloween, and beyond! Here are some tips from your trusted dentist.
Tip #1. Choose Your Candy Wisely
Not all candies are created equal when it comes to dental health. You should opt for treats that melt away quickly like chocolate (specifically dark chocolate, since it has lower sugar content) or peanut butter cups; since they’re consumed faster, they are in less contact with your teeth. On the other hand, hard candies like lollipops, jawbreakers, and other similar items are in contact with your teeth and gums for prolonged periods, making them extra harmful. Sugar-free gum is always a great option, too!
Tip #2. Add in Tooth-Friendly Snacks
As part of your Halloween festivities, consider offering tooth-friendly snacks at gatherings or to your visiting trick-or-treaters. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apple slices or carrot and celery sticks, can be surprisingly refreshing and are much healthier than candy bars!
Tip #3. Stay Hydrated Every Day
Water is by far the best beverage for your oral health; it stimulates your mouth’s flow of saliva, which is your first line of defense against cavities, and also rinses away lingering food particles after you’ve eaten. Needless to say, drink water often every day, but especially on Halloween—due to all of that candy being passed around, you’ll want to keep your chances of cavities as low as possible.
Tip #4. Timing Is Everything
Rather than snacking on Halloween candy all throughout the day, you should designate a specific time for indulging in your bucket of suites. This way, you’re helping to minimize the frequency of sugar exposure to your teeth, thus giving your saliva more time to neutralize the acids and protect your enamel.
Tip #5. Trust Your Dentist
Lastly, you should always trust your dentist to handle the things you cannot concerning your smile—meaning you should visit them twice a year for routine preventive care. If you haven’t already, schedule your second biannual checkup and attend it when the time comes. These visits allow your dentist to inspect your smile for hidden, scary issues—and clean it at a level you can’t yourself.
By following these tips, as well as sticking to a daily oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing, you’ll provide your smile with an impressive level of protection against cavities throughout the Halloween season. That way, no matter what your costume is, your smile will be an impressive feature!
About the Practice
The team at Lakewood Complete Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in the Lakewood, CO community for several years under the trusted leadership of Dr. Vincenzo Artino. They’re thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, as well as emergency dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a family member, feel free to contact the practice through their website or over the phone for assistance. Telephone: (303) 238-2800.