Halloween is a fun holiday for the entire family, giving kids and adults a chance to dress up and indulge in some sweet treats. Whatever your age, do your dentist a favor and make the extra effort to protect your oral health this October 31. Here’s how you can safeguard your smile.

How to Protect Your Teeth This Halloween

1. Don’t Snack on Sweets All Day

If you keep a bowl of Halloween candy sitting within easy reach all day, you’re bound to snack on it. Unless you brush after every sweet treat, this means you’ll have a layer of sugar coating them constantly. Limit snacking to after dinner, when you can quickly clean teeth before bed.

2. Be Smart About Candy Choices

Sticky sweets like taffy or gummy bears are tough to clean off teeth, allowing sugar to stick around and feed cavity-causing bacteria. These gooey candies can also get stuck to dental crowns or fillings, pulling them out altogether and sending you on an emergency trip to the dentist. Beware of biting on hard candies, which can damage enamel. Opt for plain chocolates instead. 

3. Keep Your Mouth Hydrated

Dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities, so stay hydrated. Saliva clears away debris and bacteria. It also balances the pH in the mouth, preventing it from getting too acidic, which can damage enamel. Sip water regularly throughout the day and after eating sweets. You can also chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production. 

4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene 

Stick to a stringent oral hygiene routine, brushing in the mornings and evenings and flossing before bed. If you have children, make sure they can do it themselves. Otherwise, supervise them until they are old enough. 

5. Schedule a Teeth Cleaning After Halloween

Once the last of the Halloween candy is eaten, visit the dentist for a professional cleaning. An added bonus: your smile will be sparkling for all the holiday photographs coming up throughout fall and winter!

For professional teeth cleanings in Kodiak, AK, visit BridgeView Dental Group. Their skilled dentists provide modern care rooted in extensive training and knowledge. They stay educated in the latest dentistry developments, always providing patients with the best care possible. Get an overview of their services, from teeth extractions to orthodontics, online. Schedule an appointment by calling (907) 486-3257.