Halloween is about a lot of things. Scary movies, costume parties, fall weather, pumpkin-flavored drinks, the list goes on. In a more abstract sense, this season is about community and self-expression. But if you’re worried about your dental health it can seem like this holiday is only about one thing: candy. It can be tough to find a balance between celebrating properly and not making extra work for your dentist come November. This guide hopes to make striking that balance a bit easier.
The Best Candy for Your Teeth
While too much of anything can become a problem, some sweets aren’t quite as bad for you as others. Candy causes tooth decay by feeding the bacteria in our mouths. The longer sugar hangs around, the worse your dental problems are likely to be. If you don’t want cavities, it’s best to stick to candies that are liable to wash away quickly and avoid sweets that will stick to your teeth.
Chocolate is a great indulgence this time of year because it melts in your mouth and disappears quickly. Dark chocolate with lower sugar content is even better.
Watch Your Sugary Drinks
It can feel a little awkward standing around a party without a drink in your hand, but the beverages you’re likely to find at a Halloween get-together can be hard on your teeth. The sugar in soda coats your entire mouth, which leads to enamel erosion. Most sodas are also carbonated with CO2, which saliva breaks down into a mildly corrosive acid, further contributing to tooth decay.
There are even more problems when you add alcohol to the mix. Liquor is dehydrating, which affects the production of saliva. That saliva would normally contribute to the mouth’s natural cleaning process, breaking down and carrying away residue. Feel free to drink in moderation but be sure to pair alcohol with lots of water. That way, you can avoid dehydration (and hangovers).
Trick-or-Treating: Best Practices
Handing out candy at Halloween is lots of fun but having that much sugar in your home can be quite the temptation, especially if you have leftovers. It doesn’t help that candy is often sold in large bags that are hard to get through in a single night. Here are a few tips to deal with the excess sweets:
- Have candy as a dessert after meals. Eating increases saliva production, which will clean the sugar out of your mouth. Similarly, avoid snacking throughout the day.
- Store candy out of plain sight so that you aren’t tempted to reach for it.
- Try to avoid buying more candy than you need. Opt for buying in smaller packages, if possible.
- Give away any leftovers you may have. Bring them to work, or hand them out to friends
Ultimately, you shouldn’t be scared to have a little fun this Halloween. If you’re smart about your sugar consumption, you should be all right. The most important thing is to brush after you eat and to keep up your dental hygiene regimen as much as possible. November is also a great time to schedule a dental cleaning, so if you’ve already had a bit too much sugar, consider that as an option. Finally, remember that candy is only one part of Halloween, and to revel in every part of the holiday as much as possible.
About our Practice
Transforming Smiles wants to help you maintain the highest standard of oral health. When you visit for a check-up, our dental professionals will take the time to look at not only your teeth, but your overall health. We offer appointments for children and adults, so we can help your entire family get their perfect smile. If you’re interested in learning more about how to take care of your dental health this Halloween, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (770) 995-7616.