5 Tips for a Healthy Smile This Halloween

More than 80% of people in the United States develop at least one cavity by the time they reach their mid-30s. Halloween is a time of year when it’s difficult to eat healthy and nix candy or other sweet treats. But a few simple tips can keep your teeth happy and healthy this Halloween season and beyond.

Schedule a teeth cleaning and oral health exam with our dental experts at Oasis Dental Team in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, to keep your smile beautiful and cavity-free.

Damage that Halloween treats can cause

Halloween candy and other sweet (or salty) treats can lead to the following dental problems or overall health concerns:

• Tooth decay
• Discoloration
• Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
• Hyperactivity in kids
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes 

The good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk of these and similar concerns by adopting a few simple tips for a healthy Halloween smile.

5 tips for a healthy Halloween grin

Try these simple ideas to boost your dental health and that of your family this fall season and throughout the year:

1. Donate hard or chewy candies

Limit candy this Halloween. If your kids trick-or-treat, allow them to keep some sweet treats if you’d like, but donate the rest to avoid snacking on candy throughout the next month.

Throwing out hard candies is a good place to start, as biting down on hard objects can damage your teeth. Chewy candies also boost your risk of cavities; so donate those too — or simply throw them away — if possible. 

2. Brush or chew gum after eating

Brushing your teeth after eating, especially after snacking on colored candies and other sweet treats, can significantly reduce your risk of decay and tooth discoloration. Keep your toothbrush handy or chew sugarless gum after eating when you’re on-the-go to boost saliva production. Don’t forget to floss at least once daily. 

3. Boost your intake of tooth-friendly foods

Tooth-friendly foods are those that reduce your risk of cavities. Examples include fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy foods, unsweetened coffee or tea, sugarless gum, and fluoridated water. Aim to incorporate many of these foods into your daily routine. 

4. Choose healthy Halloween treats instead of candy

Though the Halloween tradition often consists of sweet treats, go against the grain this fall by choosing fun and healthy treats instead of candy. 

For example, make ghosts out of bananas, jack-o-lanterns out of tangerines, or green monsters out of apple slices, kiwi fruit, or celery with peanut butter and raisins. Create homemade healthy popsicles out of blended fruit or make a spooky trail mix.

5. Ask about dental sealants and fluoride treatments

If you haven’t already, ask your dentist about fluoride treatments or dental sealants to help prevent future decay. Sealants protect your back molars, and fluoride offers all-over cavity protection for family members of all ages. 

Maintaining a healthy smile year-round

See the Oasis Dental Team every six months for dental cleanings and exams to help keep your smile beautiful. If you or your child has signs of decay, such as tooth pain, discoloration, bright red or bleeding gums, or tooth sensitivity, visit us as soon as possible. 

Schedule your next checkup with Oasis Dental Team today by calling our office or booking online.