Terrifying treats 😱
Halloween really highlights some of the trickiest foods for our oral health, mostly because of all the candy consumption. Candy is very sugary, which feeds the bacteria in our mouths, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Some of the toughest on our teeth are hard, sticky and sour candies like suckers, jawbreakers, sour gummies, taffy, caramels and bubblegum. Other popular snacks like popcorn balls and caramel apples are really tough on braces or permanent retainers, since they can easily get stuck in or around those mouth appliances.
But don’t let this spook you! Kids can still enjoy candy in moderation, especially if they clean their teeth carefully afterward. There are also treats that are easier on our teeth. These include chocolate, peanut butter, and soft fillings like mousse or nougat. While these types of candy are still sugary, they tend not to stick around in our mouths as long, providing less fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. Sugar-free gum is also a much better alternative to bubblegum.
Creepy costumes 🧟
Picking out a costume and dressing up is the best way to get in the Halloween spirit. While most costumes won’t affect your teeth or mouth in any way, be cautious with any fake teeth or tooth decorations. If you apply any glue, paint, or other products to alter the appearance of your smile, make sure you use them according to the package instructions and for their intended purpose. Follow any safety guidelines and heed all warnings given to avoid damage. If anything is going inside your mouth, make sure it is non-toxic and non-staining. Do not use any fake teeth that are ill-fitting, and skip anything that you feel scraping or scratching against your teeth or gums.
At the end of the night’s adventures, make sure you take out anything you used in your mouth for a costume, including carefully removing any makeup, glue, or prosthetics. Be cautious around your own or anyone else’s costume props. Keep all objects away from your face and mouth, and do the same for others. You don’t want to haunt your dentist’s doorstep with a chipped or damaged tooth on Halloween night.
Fang-friendly routine 🧛🏻♂️
To keep your teeth prepared for plenty of candy munching, it’s important to stay diligent with your oral health routine. This means your typical brushing for two minutes twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste as well as thorough flossing. Pay extra care if you have eaten lots of sticky candy and/or if you have braces. Drink plenty of fluoridated tap water throughout the day, but especially after having candy and treats. On the night of trick-or-treating, make sure your family eats a large and healthy meal. This might curb some of candy cravings. For younger children, it can be fun and helpful to get them a new toothbrush (maybe one in their favorite color or featuring a favorite character) to get them excited about brushing their teeth on Halloween night.
We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween 🎃
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
Dr. Eileen Crespo, Dr. Cindy McGregor
Dr. Cindy McGregor, Dr. Eileen Crespo
Dr. Bruce Templeton, Dr. Nirmala Prabhu
Dr. Eileen Crespo, Dr. Cindy McGregor, Dr. James O'Meara, Dr. Bruce Templeton, Dr. Peggy Gramates