Halloween is without a doubt the spookiest night of the year—especially for dentists! With kids and adults alike indulging in their Halloween loot, everyone runs a higher risk of experiencing chipped teeth, cavities, and general oral hygiene mayhem. Save your teeth this Halloween with these tips from Dr. David K. Skeels in Rochester, NY. From crown-friendly candies to oral care hacks, these tricks will help you enjoy your Halloween treats without putting your teeth at risk.

A Dentist’s Top 5 Halloween Tips

1. Protect Your Crowns

If you have dental crowns, beware of hard candies! Don’t bite down on these sweet suckers, which can chip or break porcelain crowns. Steer clear of gum as well as candies with caramel or taffy inside, as these sticky substances can pull crowns out of place. Don’t let an emergency visit to the dentist due to a chipped tooth or lost crown haunt you this Halloween.

2. Choose Your Candy Wisely

Steer clear of sucking candies, which prolong the amount of time sugar is lingering in your mouth, increasing the risk of decay and cavities. Sticky items like gummy bears are also damaging because of how they stick to your teeth. Chocolate lovers rejoice: This is the best choice for your teeth, as it’s easy to chew and doesn’t stick.

3. Use Your Hands

No matter what kind of candy you choose, open wrappers with your hands, not your teeth. The thought of you tearing open your candy wrappers with your teeth is sure to give your dentist nightmares. 

4. Drink Water

In general, drinking water with fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. It’s also good to intersperse your candy binges with water, as this helps wash away the debris from candy that causes cavities.

5. Control Your Candy

To cut back on snack attacks, store candy out of sight and don’t leave it lying around the house. Limit the amount of time Halloween candy is in your home. The temptation to sneak a taste before October 31st can be hard to resist!  

Whatever day of the year it may be, it’s always important to practice good dental hygiene: Floss and brush daily and get a professional teeth cleaning at least once a year. Dr. David K. Skeels provides general dentistry services in Rochester, NY. Call (585) 467-7000 for an appointment—this family dentist provides new patients with a free first consultation and exam.