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Halloween is most dentists’ worst nightmare. But at J. Bryson McBratney, D.D.S., the best family and cosmetic dentistry practice in Anchorage, AK, the dental care team likes to think of Halloween as a time to educate patients about good oral care habits. With more than 33 years of experience, Dr. McBratney handles everything from regular teeth cleanings and in-house crowns to cavities.

If you want to eat candy — and avoid cavities — this Halloween, follow these four tips from the dental care team at J. Bryson McBratney, D.D.S.

  • Brush Your Teeth ASAP: The less time that sugar is in contact with your teeth, the less likely bacteria is to cause tooth decay. Instead of snacking on sweets all night long, indulge in a few miniature candy bars (avoid hard candies that you can suck on for a while), drink a glass of water, and then brush your teeth. Dr. McBratney suggests trying to brush your teeth within 10 minutes of eating candy.
  • Hand Out Healthy Snacks: You don’t have to be the house on the street that hands out an apple, but consider dropping sugar-free gum into trick-or-treater’s bags instead. Sugar-free gum contains xylitol, which helps your mouth fight against the bacteria and acid left behind after you eat sweets.
  • Dental CareEnjoy Sweets — In Moderation: Don’t deny your kids (or yourself) the pleasure of eating a few pieces of candy on Halloween, but don’t go overboard, either. Fill up on healthy foods before you dive into the Halloween candy. Instead of having a candy jar on the counter, put out a plate with crunchy fruits and veggies, such as apples and carrots, that are not only good for your body but can also help remove excess sugar from your teeth.
  • Use Fluoride Toothpaste & Mouthrinse: To maximize your brushing and flossing routine, look for a fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinse. Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that can not only prevent but also reverse the damage caused by tooth decay. If you are especially concerned about the health of your mouth after Halloween, ask Dr. McBratney about a fluoride supplement.

Halloween is a great time to make sure you are practicing good dental care to help prevent cavities. To make sure you have nothing to worry about, schedule a checkup and teeth cleaning appointment with Dr. McBratney. For more information about the best dentist in Anchorage, visit the J. Bryson McBratney, D.D.S. website or call the dentist office at (907) 562-3323.

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