4 Tips for Navigating the Halloween Season If You Have a Sweet Tooth

Halloween and candy go hand-in-hand, and this time of year, you’re probably seeing a lot more sweets and treats at stores, schools, office spaces, or even at your own home. Unfortunately, these sugary items don’t always agree with our teeth. If you or one of your loved ones has a sweet tooth, don’t worry—you don’t have to skip the holiday entirely! There are several steps you can take to keep your smile healthy and satisfy all of your cravings. Here’s what you should keep in mind.

1. Choose Your Candy Wisely

Not all candy is the same, and sticky candies, like caramel, taffy, and gummies, can cling to teeth and lead to cavities. Similarly, hard candies like jawbreakers and lollipops are exposed to the teeth for long periods and can bathe them in sugar. Sour candies aren’t much better, as they unload an acid attack on the teeth. Chocolate, believe it or not, is among the most teeth-friendly of all candies, since it can wash off easily. Even better, dark chocolate has much less sugar content than milk chocolate!

2. Enjoy Candy with Meals Instead of as a Snack

Your saliva helps to keep your mouth clean, and eating actually encourages your mouth to keep it flowing. This means that it’s actually wise to eat candy with a meal, rather than as a standalone snack. However, if you can’t help but enjoy a sweet treat on its own, aim to finish it within a few quick minutes, rather than enjoying it over a long period of time.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Water, especially fluoridated water from local water supplies, is the best beverage for your teeth, period. It helps to rinse away sugar and strengthen enamel, and it stimulates your saliva flow to help wash away cavity-causing bacteria that feed on candy. Skip the sugary sodas and energy drinks this Halloween and get yourself a refillable water bottle instead; your smile will thank you!

4. Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene

The excitement of Halloween can throw off your regular routine, but you should do your best to continue brushing and flossing twice a day, especially before you go to bed. These consistent habits are what will ultimately prevent cavities from spawning during the Halloween season. It’s also wise to schedule a preventive dental checkup if it’s been longer than six months since your last one.

Having a sweet tooth doesn’t have to make things complicated when it comes to your smile; you can still enjoy Halloween with a big, bright grin on your face by following these simple steps!

About the Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. Robert and Heather Heil, our team here at Dental Expressions has been helping patients in Freedom and the surrounding communities to smile brighter for several years. We offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services, including routine preventive care for adults and children. If you have any questions about the blog or need to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (920) 788-6280.