Gorging on sweets is a quintessential part of the Halloween tradition, and your teeth bear the brunt of the aftereffects. As you and your kids indulge in the requisite candy this holiday, it’s important to keep your oral health in mind. The staff at Dr. David K. Skeels in Rochester, NY, advise that with a little care, you can both enjoy your treats and also protect your teeth. Before you start snacking, consider the dentist-approved tips below.

3 Ways to Maintain Oral Health This Halloween

1. Set Limits

The best way to protect your teeth is to eat candy in moderation. On Halloween and in the coming days, establish a daily candy limit for your family. Focus on honoring this, and if necessary, leave out only the amount you’re allowed to eat. This will keep you from eating beyond your fill and also make your candy last longer than usual.

2. Avoid Sticky Candies

Overly gummy, chewy, and sticky candies might be delicious, but they cause a variety of issues with your teeth. They immediately become lodged in hard-to-reach spaces, and worse, have some of the highest sugar and acid contents. Both of these ingredients will erode enamel and lead to tooth decay. These candies also pull at fillings and bonds, so speak with your dentist about which are best to avoid for your situation.

3. Set Brushing Rules

Most harmful effects come from the sugars and acids that can sit on your teeth after eating candy. To combat this, establish a rule that your family has to brush and floss immediately after consuming sweets to remove many of the harmful leftovers. To be even more effective, have them rinse their mouth with water or a dentist-preferred mouthwash to clear debris between teeth. This will minimize any issues and protect teeth from decay.

For more tips about protecting your teeth, as well as general care, turn to Dr. David K. Skeels. He offers individualized dental evaluations to determine each patients’ unique needs in a calm and friendly atmosphere. Call (585) 467-7000 today to schedule an appointment with the dentist, and visit the website to learn more about the treatments offered.