Halloween is only a few days away, so you may have scary stuff on your mind. It’s only natural when Oct. 31st is known for spooky costumes, haunted houses, and frightful fun. Even so, you shouldn’t sport a scary smile on Halloween night; bad oral health would ruin your holiday. You’re better off using crucial dental tips from your local Dallas Dentist. To that end, here are four ways to avoid a ghoulish grin on All Hallows’ Eve.
Chew Sugar-free Gum
While you may be tempted, try not to binge on your Halloween candy. Curb your sweet tooth instead by chewing some sugar-free gum.
Besides being a tasty treat, sugarless gum is good for your grin. Chewing it after a meal can increase your saliva levels, helping your mouth wash out harmful food debris. You’d just have to chew for roughly twenty minutes or so to see this effect, which reduces your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
Be Picky About Your Candy
Of course, you shouldn’t just go easy on candy in general. Another smile-friendly move is to be picky about the Halloween candies you have.
A good example would be to avoid sticky and hard treats. Candy that clings to teeth is awful for your grin, as it erodes your enamel over time. Similarly, biting down on hard candies can lead to a chipped or cracked tooth. If you need a better alternative, go with chocolate; it washes off your teeth more easily. (Dark chocolate is especially ideal, as it has less sugar.)
Hydrate with Clean Water
Amidst your trick-or-treating (or Halloween parties), drink lots of clean water. Hydrating this way keeps your smile safe for “spooky season.”
Water is the ideal, sugar-free material for oral rinses. By drinking enough of it, you’ll moisten your tongue, limit the growth of harmful bacteria, and get rid of leftover sugar. Such results are crucial if you don’t want cavities to come in November.
Remember to Brush & Floss
Halloween is exciting, but that doesn’t mean you can skip teeth-cleaning after your treat-eating. You should always brush and floss thoroughly once you’ve finished any sweets.
Good oral health depends on brushing twice daily and flossing once daily. Through these habits, you remove harmful plaque that results in cavities, gum disease, and worse. Halloween candy can attract said plaque with its sugar, so brushing and flossing after having it is especially vital. You might end October with nasty-looking teeth and gums otherwise.
October is a spooky month, but don’t sport a scary smile on Halloween. Use the tips and tricks above to make your grin strong!
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Barnett is a dentist based in Dallas, TX, having earned a DDS from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. Her work in dental care spans preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative treatments, which all embody her passion for getting to know patients. She and her team are also proud to treat dental emergencies quickly and safely. Today, Dr. Barnett practices at her self-titled clinic and is reachable on her website and by phone at (469)-874-0469.