How to Have a Happy & Healthy Halloween!

Goblins, ghouls, ghosts, and cavities… oh my! Halloween can be a scary time of the year, and not just because of all the costumes. This sugary holiday leads to increases in cavities and tooth decay, keeping dentists extra busy. However, there are some easy steps you can take to protect you and your loved ones’ smiles this Halloween. Read on to learn the top 4 tips for avoiding spooky cavities on October 31^st.

#1. Stay Away from Sticky or Hard Sweets

All candies are not created equal. Some are especially detrimental to your oral health because they stay in contact with your teeth for long periods of time. When sugar interacts with bacteria, it creates acids that eat away at your smile. That’s why you should do your best to avoid extra hard or sticky candy like taffy, toffee, caramel, gobstoppers, and more. These items often allow sugar to get in the saliva and coat the teeth.

#2. If You Indulge, Choose Chocolate

If you’re craving some sweets, reach for chocolate instead of hard, sour, or sticky candy. Chocolate easily washes away from the teeth with the help of your saliva. Plus, dark chocolate is actually good for your body. You can do yourself and your neighbors a favor by stocking up on chocolate over other candy. That way, when it’s time for trick or treating, risky sugar can be washed down with water and clean easier.

#3. Watch How Much You Consume

It’s not just about what type of candy you eat – the frequency will also impact your oral health. Snacking on sweets throughout the day is one of the worst things you can do for your smile because it doesn’t allow your saliva time to recover and wash away sugar. Instead, all the Halloween candy you eat builds up on your teeth and gums, leading to increased risks of dental problems.

#4. Don’t Forget Your Oral Healthcare Routine

With all the excitement that surrounds Halloween, it can be easy to let your at-home dental routine go for a few days. However, it’s more important than ever to keep your smile healthy by regular brushing and flossing. Brush twice a day for two minutes each session for the most thorough cleaning. Floss once a day to remove pesky bits of sweets that get caught in between teeth. For some extra protection, you can add mouthwash to your routine, which is an easy way to clean hard to reach areas of the mouth.

Ready for a fun and delicious Halloween? Just remember these easy tips to protect yourself from spooky cavities!

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Jason Tubo is an expert dentist who has surrounded himself with a friendly, caring, and experienced team. He offers a variety of preventive services in addition to cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and much more for Whitinsville patients. To schedule an appointment at Whitinsville Family Dentistry, contact Dr. Tubo through his website or by phone at (508) 234-8107.