4 Seasonal Tips for Healthy Teeth

It’s Halloween, and you know what that means. Lots of tempting chocolate, caramel, candy corn, and lollipops!

Not just for kids, this annual spooktacular event brings with it sugary temptations for all ages. And not just candy; Halloween parties generally offer plenty of other sweet treats like cookies, cupcakes, and beverages with added sugar.

It’s hard to resist!

It might be Halloween, but it’s no mystery; brushing and flossing your teeth is important any time of year. It bears repeating, though, especially now. As we enter the holiday season and anticipate all the coming festivities, it’s important to be diligent in caring for your teeth.

Here are some additional tips to keep your teeth healthy this Halloween.

Sidestep the Sticky

Sweet treats are fine occasionally, but overdoing it increases the risk of tooth decay; especially when candy is sticky and hard to chew. Caramels, gummies and chewy candies tend to stay on your teeth longer, and saliva can’t always wash it away. If you must indulge, brush your teeth as soon as you can – or at least swish some warm water in your mouth to remove pieces of candy that remain.

Try to Avoid Sugary Drinks

This applies any time of year, but especially during the trick-or-treat season of parties and goodies. Sugary drinks, like soda, are just as prone to cause tooth decay as candy and other sweets. You can appreciate everything in moderation, but if you do find yourself chugging soft drinks, try to rinse or brush when possible.

Nix Hard Candy

Whether it’s a Tootsie Pop or a fireball, there’s always that temptation to bite down on hard candy. Don’t do it! In addition to exposing your teeth to all that sugar as you savor the flavor, you’re also at risk for cracking or breaking a tooth when you chew hard candy.

Consider Sugar-Free Gum

We get it. Sugar-free gum is hardly as much fun as a chocolate bar, but it’s a great option. Sugar-free gum increases saliva production, which neutralizes acid and helps remove particles. Think about it as a give-away this year!

Keeping your teeth healthy isn’t hard, but it does take effort. Brush twice daily (with fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush that’s not worn) and don’t forget to floss. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash is also a great way to keep teeth healthy this holiday.

This holiday season, choose wisely! Visit our website if you need a few ideas!