Halloween is almost upon us, and we’re sure plenty of our patients are excited for a night of fun, frights, and oh-so-delicious treats. But underneath all the scares and screams, there’s a danger lurking that’s even scarier than ghouls and ghosts: dental decay. All the candy and sweets the kids enjoy during Halloween can have a big impact on teeth, causing decay, cavities, and even gum disease. To help ward off the dangers of decay, follow these simple tips for protecting teeth during Halloween.
Tips for Protecting Teeth During Halloween
- Brush Briskly: The sugars in Halloween candy can do a number on teeth, and the longer they stay in the mouth, the more damage they do. You can help to mitigate the damage by brushing and flossing teeth immediately after consuming candy.
- Choose Wisely: When it comes to dental health, not all candy is created equal. Avoid hard candies and sticky candies, as these tend to stay in the mouth longer and do more damage to teeth. The best candies are inherently low in sugar and tend to be in the mouth briefly – things like dark chocolate.
- Get it Out of the Way: For dental health, it’s best to have one period of heavy exposure as opposed to less candy over a longer period. Try instituting a rule that kids can enjoy their trick-or-treating bounty, but only for a night or two.
Contact Your Palatine, IL Family Dentists
At Meadows Dental Care, we’re passionate about helping our patients achieve a healthy smile and we’re always here to answer your questions. Feel free to call us at 847.397.1111 or reach out to us at our contact page if you have more questions about protecting teeth during Halloween, or if you’d like to come in for a teeth cleaning after all the dust settles. You can request an appointment onlineat our Palatine, IL office. Until then, we wish you luck in keeping your and your child’s teeth safe this Halloween!