Local Dentist Shares 5 “Tricks” for a Healthy Halloween

Witches and warlocks, ghouls and goblins – Halloween is upon us once again! The spooky season can often be a treacherous time for teeth, as more sugary treats are consumed than normal. However, it is possible to navigate this time of year without dramatically increasing your risk of tooth decay. To enjoy Halloween while keeping your smile cavity-free, follow these 5 tricks – er, tips – from a local dentist.

#1: Avoid Sticky Candies

The longer that sugar stays in your mouth, the greater the risk of developing tooth decay. Sticky sweets like taffy, gummy worms, and caramel all cling to teeth, making it harder for saliva to wash them away. Try to limit your consumption of sticky candies to reduce your risk of tooth decay. Instead, opt for chocolate treats or powdery candies. Although these also contain high levels of sugar, they dissolve more rapidly in your mouth.

#2: Avoid Snacking Throughout Day

Every time you grab a treat from the candy bowl, it gives the bacteria in your mouth another chance to feast on sugar and, in doing so, produce acids that harm your teeth. Instead of snacking throughout the day, try to eat Halloween treats alongside or shortly after a meal. The increased saliva production that occurs when eating a full meal helps clean your mouth by rinsing away bits of food.

#3: Donate Your Extra Candy

If you and your children pull in a generous candy haul this Halloween, put a smile on the face of someone else by donating your extra sweets! One option is to give to charitable organizations such as Operation Gratitude, which sends candy donations to troops serving overseas. In addition, many dentists’ offices have take-back programs, through which you can trade your candy for a new toothbrush.

#4: Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugarless gum can help you prevent cavities in two ways. First, if you have a hankering for something sweet and choose gum instead of a piece of Halloween candy, you are keeping sugar away from your teeth. However, even if you do snack on a sugary treat, chewing gum afterward can help reduce tooth decay. Chewing gum for 20 minutes helps increase saliva flow, which, as mentioned above, helps wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by bacteria.

#5: Schedule a Dental Checkup

Don’t be afraid to visit the dentist this spooky season! The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and dental exam. Regular dental checkups are an excellent opportunity to have plaque and tartar expertly removed from your teeth to help prevent tooth decay. In addition, your dentist will be sure to identify and treat any minor emerging dental issues before they have a chance to develop and worsen.

This time of year does not have to be frightful for your oral health! Just follow the 5 tips above to reduce your risk of tooth decay this Halloween.

About the Author

Dr. Jon Davidson leads the friendly and experienced team at Dental Dynamics in helping Skokie patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. An active member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Davidson keeps abreast of the latest developments in dental research and technology by regularly taking continuing education courses. For oral care tips for all seasons, visit the Dental Dynamics website or call 847-329-9801.