Must-Know Tips for Avoiding Oral Health Problems During Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s tough to not be excited about this spooky, fun-filled holiday that’s beloved by so many! But as fun as it is to dress up as your favorite character, attend parties and gatherings with your favorite people, and indulge in all your favorite treats, it’s always best to keep your oral health in mind—a cavity is sure to bring all of the fun times to a screeching halt! Keep reading below for some useful tips from your trusted dentist that are certain to keep your pearly whites looking and feeling their best—in fact, they’ll be the least scary part of your costume this year!

Tip #1. Be Picky About the Candy You’re Eating

You should avoid hard, sticky, or gummy sweets that stay in your mouth for prolonged periods, as they elevate the risk of cavities. Jawbreakers, lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, Starbursts, Skittles, and other similar items can all be troublesome for teeth. Dark chocolate is a great option, since it’s quick to eat and has far less sugar than milk chocolate or other non-chocolate choices. There are also various brands of sugar-free chewing gum that are approved by the American Dental Association—not only do these lack the sugar content of other candies, but they stimulate your mouth’s flow of saliva, protecting it from cavities and freshening your breath!

Tip #2. Be Strategic About Your Candy Consumption

It’s not just about what candy you’re eating—it’s also about how much candy you’re eating, and when you’re eating it! Continually snacking on candy throughout the day is a surefire way to end up with a dental issue, but if you’re eating your sweets during or following a meal, you’re much less likely to eat too much candy. This also means you’re eating the candy at a time when your mouth’s saliva flow is most active, which helps to neutralize the cavity-causing bacteria.

Tip #3. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Habits

It goes without saying that sufficient oral hygiene habits will shield your smile from most harmful dental issues; this includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and supplementing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. These habits might seem too small to make a large difference, but over time, their compounding effect can provide an immense level of protection from tooth decay, gum disease, and other nasty problems. Though October is a busy month, especially if you’re a Halloween fanatic, you should be certain that you’re fitting time into your schedule to care for your pearly whites.

It’s also worth noting that if you haven’t already, October is a great time to schedule your second routine dental checkup of the year. These visits allow your dentist to maintain your smile in ways that you can’t carry out on your own at home—and if you have dental insurance, you’re already paying for this care!

About the Practice

Third Street Dental has proudly served patients and families in the Columbus, OH area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Eric Buck and his team, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or someone you know, feel free to contact the practice through their website or over the phone for assistance. Telephone: (614) 228-4850.