Dental Care Tips For Halloween

Halloween is a fun holiday for people of all ages. This holiday is celebrated with costumes and treats. However, there are some candies and snacks that can harm your teeth. 

Trick or treating can be fun for the whole family, but if not done properly can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Here are some Halloween dental care tips to keep smiles healthy this All Hallows’ Eve!

• Avoid sticky candies, like caramels. These can cause damage and get stuck between teeth. If you do consume them, be sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth afterward to help remove them.
• Try swapping out candy with other treats like pretzels, chips, or small toys.
• Keep hydrated by drinking water throughout the night. This can help prevent dry mouth and reduce the effects of acid and sugars and prevent them from causing damage to teeth and gums.
• Brushing and flossing daily is one of the best ways to protect smiles and remove bacteria that cause buildup that leads to decay. Be sure to make brushing and flossing part of the nightly routine. Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash at night is also a great idea to help remove food particles from your teeth and gums, so bacteria don’t build up overnight and cause problems. 
• If you are wearing a costume that covers your mouth, you may want to remove it before you go to bed that night. This allows your saliva to wash away bacteria and plaque before it can harden on teeth overnight.
• If you play any sports while wearing your costume, make sure to wear a protective mouthguard. This helps to prevent serious injuries to the face and head.
• Don’t forget about your oral health care when you get home at the end of a fun night trick or treating. Make sure your children brush their teeth after eating sugary treats to help protect their oral health!
• As always, if you encounter any issues with your dental health, feel free to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. They can help determine the best course of action when it comes to restoring your smile! Regular checkups and cleanings are also crucial since this is the best way to catch and treat any problems before they become serious. 

To learn more, please schedule an appointment online or call All Smiles Family Dentistry at (319) 553-3085 to have a consultation with Dr. Jennifer A. Stevenson or Dr. Sarah Cyr, and we will be happy to help.