Dental Care Tips for Halloween

Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday for kids. They get to dress up as their favorite characters, enjoy candy, and engage in other fun activities. However, Halloween can be a scary holiday for some kids. They might be scared of monsters and spooky characters. At Halloween, most kids eat more candy than usual. This can result in extra cavities. Being aware of some dental care tips can help you avoid dental problems this Halloween.

Try to Eat Candy With Meals

Since many candies contain acid, it is best to eat them during the main meal rather than by themselves. Acid weakens the enamel of your teeth, and constant exposure can increase your chances of tooth decay or cavities. By eating sweets during a meal, you are neutralizing some of the acidity in food. Plus, when eaten in conjunction with healthy foods like vegetables or cheese, the candy is not as likely to stick to the surface of your teeth. This can help prevent damage such as cavities.

If you must eat candy by itself, drink plenty of water afterward to help wash away the sugars. 

Wear a Mouthguard

Halloween is such a fun holiday, but it can also be a dangerous one. Trick-or-treating can be risky when you’re walking around and making sure you look both ways before crossing a street. But did you know that it’s even more important to wear a mouthguard when you play sports? Here’s why...

Mouthguards are designed to absorb the impact of any blows to the face. Whether you chip a tooth or lose some enamel from a hard hit, a mouthguard can keep you from experiencing lasting damage to your teeth. It may also help to prevent concussions and jaw injuries as well.

Plus, wearing a mouthguard helps to keep you focused on the game rather than worrying about what’s going on in your mouth. So don’t skip out on protecting your mouth this Halloween!

Avoid Hard Candies

Hard candies pose a significant threat to your teeth because they are so sticky, like caramel and jelly beans. They adhere to your teeth for a long time, allowing bacteria to cling to them. This will increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. If you’re planning on eating some candy this Halloween, be sure to brush or rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward.

This also applies to chewy or sticky candies, which can be difficult to clean from your teeth. 

Avoid Too Many Treats

Try to avoid eating too many treats in one sitting. Brushing your teeth after each time you eat will help reduce the damage done by sugars and other cavity-causing foods and drinks.

Brush Your Teeth

Eat only soft candies and rinse with water after eating to help get rid of sugars and acids in your teeth. You can also brush your teeth after eating to give your smile some extra protection against tooth decay.

Limit Sugar Consumption

Some candies have labels that say they are good for teeth because they contain xylitol, a type of sweetener that is good for oral health. However, even these candies should be consumed in moderation. Sipping on them throughout the day will still expose your teeth to the acid and sugar content found in most candies. These ingredients can still cause decay in small amounts over time.

Wish to learn more oral care tips? Dillon-Costantino Dental can help you. We are located at 10505 West Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90064. Call (310) 475-0617 to schedule your appointment.