As Halloween approaches, it’s time to feast on candy and sweets to celebrate the spooky holiday. Between hard candy, costume accessories, and decorations, there are many surprising ways your teeth are at risk. To ensure that your teeth are strong and cavity-free this Halloween, schedule a dentist appointment for a check up. Until then, below are three safety tips to help you maintain healthy teeth. 

Safety Tips for Halloween From a Family Dentist

1. Avoid Tearing Packages With Your Teeth

Although it may be tempting to rip open plastic packaging while you adorn your home with Halloween decorations, doing so may damage your teeth. If the packaging contains staples or other sharp edges, it can cut your gums and lips. If you struggle to open a package with thicker material than usual, the strain can damage your teeth and even jerk your jaw out of place. Consult your dentist immediately if you strain, crack or break a tooth. 
 

2. Guard Your Teeth From Mouthpieces 

There are several costumes that require mouthpieces, especially vampire. If your child plans to wear fangs, read the label closely to ensure the material is toxin-free. They should wear the appropriate size to prevent choking. Make them take a bite test to make sure the material doesn’t cut into their gums or places added strain on their teeth.

If you or your child is wearing a dental prosthetic such as light-up teeth, decomposing teeth dentures, sharp teeth or gum-only dentures, ensure that they properly fit your teeth. Any discomfort can strain your teeth. If the dentures fit too high or too low, you may run the risk of irritating your gum line. If you want to recycle your mouthpiece for the following year, your dentist can show you how to properly clean and store your spooky dental prosthetic. 

3. Practice Food and Candy Safety

You should inspect all candy before your child eats it. If your child is still developing their teeth, toss any hard candy to prevent cracked or broken teeth. Gummy candy can stick to your child’s teeth, so make sure they brush thoroughly to remove any residue before bedtime. To prevent cavities after a night of candy eating, make an appointment with your dentist to get a complete cleaning. 

If a grinning Halloween Jack-o-lantern reminds you to make a teeth cleaning appointment, contact J. Bryson McBratney, D.D.S in the Greater Anchorage, AK, area. Dr. McBratney, a family dentist with 33 years of dental care experience, offers professional services from checkups and teeth cleaning to dental crowns. Whether you’re a new or returning patient, this dentist and his office team welcome you. Call (907) 562-3323 to schedule your weekday or Saturday appointment or visit the practice’s website to learn about patient resources.