Don’t Fear Your Oral Health This Halloween

Temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter, and the leaves are starting to turn. This can only mean one thing: spooky season is here!  Bring on the parties, fall foods, and trick-or-treats! But before you dive into that Halloween haul, make sure you’re not creating a nightmare scenario with your oral health. Try these healthy teeth tips and you’ll have nothing to fear!

Sort Your Treats

Before you and the kids dig into that bucket of candy, sort through it and toss anything that’s no good for your teeth. Candies to avoid include:

• Hard candy
• Sticky or chewy candy
• Acidic candy

Instead, stick with safer options like chocolate or candy corn, which won’t stick around on your teeth as long, and has a lower risk of breaking your tooth or causing enamel erosion.

Pick a Time

There’s arguably no bad time for candy, however when it comes to portioning out your child’s Halloween treats, try to pick a time that it’s okay to indulge, such as after dinner. That way they can brush away the remnants when they do their evening oral health routine, and the time that anything lingers on their teeth is minimal.

Watch Other Sugars

While it’s a great idea to keep candy consumption controlled, don’t forget about other sources of sugar. Sweetened beverages can be just as dangerous to the teeth, and can linger on them all day, especially if you sip your drink slowly and don’t brush immediately afterwards.  Thus, to keep teeth safe, be sure to either alternate with sips of water, or if you plan on having candy, try to avoid soda, fruit juice, or any other sugary refreshment.

Schedule Your Dental Exam & Cleaning

Your semi-annual dental exams and cleanings are an important way to keep your teeth and gums safe from the dangers of sweets and other treats. Not only does this appointment provide your dental team the opportunity to clear away dangerous tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, but it can also give them a heads up to any oral health issues that could be forming in your mouth, such as cavities, gum disease, or tooth infections.

Remember, Halloween is a fun season full of fun, festivities, and of course, candy! But don’t let seasonal sweets ruin your oral health. Try these tips for safe enjoyment of your favorite treats, and you’ll have plenty to smile about all autumn long!

About Dr. Rosenfeld

Going to the dentist can be scary, which is why Dr. David S. Rosenfeld believes that to help patients take care of their oral health, it is best to treat them with kindness and compassion. Whether you’re acing your dental exams or struggling with a dental emergency, he understands the importance of making patients feel safe when they’re at his office.

Don’t be afraid to protect your smile this Halloween! To schedule an appointment at Rosenfeld Dental Associates, please visit our website or call us today at 908-668-7838.