Bring on the Sweets, Or Not: 5 Halloween Candy Tips to Keep in Mind

Halloween isn’t all about the tricks. In fact, if you asked most children what they enjoy about this holiday, they would most certainly say it is the treats they look forward to the most. While these sweet little candies are fine in moderation, eating a bucket full might have your little one facing not only a tummy ache but also a toothache. To ensure their oral health (and yours) stay safe from tooth decay and cavities, here are 5 Halloween candy tips to remember.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you should avoid brushing and flossing your teeth. Continue your normal routine by brushing your teeth twice a day for two full minutes. If your brush is worn down, make sure to replace it. Also, floss between your teeth at least once a day. This will remove harmful bacteria and food particles from hard to reach areas.

Choose Your Favorites

While it might be tempting to just leave the giant bowl of candy sitting within arms reach to enjoy at any point throughout the day, you’ll be doing yourself a favor if you and your family select the pieces you enjoy the most and then donate the rest. There are plenty of organizations that request donations, especially those sending care packages to servicemen and women overseas, as well as dentists who have a program that encourages you to turn in your candy.

Drink Plenty of Water

There are several benefits to drinking water, but these three are the most important:

• Drinking fluoridated water will help protect you from tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel
• It keeps you hydrated
• Water keeps your salivary glands working to flush out the left behind sugars on your teeth and gums, lessening your chances of developing tooth decay or gum disease

Avoid Sticky Candies

From gummy bears to caramels, these yummy, sticky candies may taste good but they’re awful for your teeth. Because of their consistency, they can sit on your teeth much longer than they should, allowing bacteria to feed off the sugar and begin to burrow into the crevices. If untreated or left too long, it can begin to create holes in your teeth known as cavities.

Visit Your Dentist

If possible, try to schedule a regular dental checkup and cleaning around the holidays. Not only will this help to keep you and your child accountable, but it will give your dental team a chance to examine your mouth to check for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease before it gets too out of hand.

While werewolves and vampires might be a scary sight to see when trick or treating, it’s tooth decay and cavities that can be a real fright. Enjoy the holiday but remember to follow these simple tips to keep you and your family’s teeth and gums free from decay and disease.

About the Practice
At Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we offer our patients the best for optimal dental care. We take pride in offering valuable patient education in addition to the comprehensive services we provide to meet all of your family’s needs. With the holidays right around the corner, our dental professionals know that sweet treats will be consumed much more often, which is why it’s important to be mindful of your oral hygiene habits. Our team can keep your smile looking and feeling its best with high-quality preventive care. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (308) 382-4440.