How to Have a Mouth-Healthy Halloween

It’s October, and you know what that means. Pumpkin spice lattes, sweater weather, and lots and lots of candy consumption. Unfortunately, that can also mean lots and lots of tooth decay if you’re not careful about your oral hygiene. That’s why we’ve written this list of Halloween candy tips to make your Halloween a mouth-healthy one.

Avoid Sticky Candies

Sticky candies stay attached to your teeth for longer periods of time than other candies like chocolate, which get easily washed away by saliva. Limit your consumption of these candies, or at least brush your teeth afterwards.

Time Your Snacking Right

If you’re going to eat Halloween candy, be sure to do it with or just after your regular meals. Saliva production increases at mealtime. Saliva is important because it washes away bits of food debris and bacteria that can cause decay if allowed to accumulate on your teeth.

Don’t Snack from the Candy Bowl

Snacking is not only bad for your diet, but for your dental health as well. If you constantly grab sugary treats from the candy bowl, it increases the amount of time that your teeth are exposed to those sugars. You’re then at a greater risk for painful cavities.

Limit Your Stash

It may be temping to keep all the candy around and make your stash last as long as possible, but your teeth will thank you if you don’t make it last. Consider picking out your favorites and donating the rest of your candy to those less fortunate. Or, see if your dentist has a candy take-back program.

Drink Plenty of Water

It can be temping to stay hydrated with energy drinks or sodas, but those are chock full of sugar and acid that can erode your tooth enamel, leaving you more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay. Sip water throughout the day instead.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating can reduce your chances of getting tooth decay. The act of chewing stimulates saliva production, rinsing harmful bacteria out of your mouth and neutralizing the acids in the food you just ate. Pack a stick with your lunch, especially if you’re also packing leftover Halloween candy.

Pay Your Dentist a Visit

October is the perfect time to see your dentist for a checkup and cleaning if you haven’t already had two this year. Since your insurance benefits won’t roll over into the next year, the timing is perfect. Additionally, you can get your teeth professionally cleaned to undo any damage done by Halloween candy.

People frequently get cavities around this time of year due to increased candy consumption. By following the tips listed above, you can dramatically decrease your risk of decay.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner enjoys providing patients of all ages with the knowledge and skills they need to keep their smiles happy and healthy. He interned at Kernan Hospital and has also worked with geriatric patients at Levindale Hospital, so he has experience treating patients on both ends of the age spectrum. As a parent himself, he knows how important Halloween can be to young ones. For more Halloween candy tips to keep your child’s mouth healthy, you can contact his practice, Dolfield Dental, by clicking here or calling (410) 902-4110.