Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene during the Month of Halloween

Like most other annual events, Halloween is probably going to look a bit different this year. That being said, we still know the children in our lives are going to be looking forward to the tasty treats they’ve come to expect every October. 

Here are some tips that can help you to keep your family’s oral hygiene healthy as we approach the spookiest season of the year:

Have a Plan

While it might not be a popular opinion, we suggest limiting your stash. Have your children choose a certain number of pieces of candy to enjoy over a specific period of time (in moderation & as a treat, of course!) and then donate the rest.

Enjoy Your Treat During the Right Time of Day

Yes, there is a “right” time of day to eat candy. And that happens to be with or shortly after you eat a meal. Why? Saliva production increases when you’re eating, which helps to balance out acids that the bacteria in your mouth produce. The saliva also helps to rinse away food particles.

Treat Your Candy Like, Well, a Treat

It’s important that your candy is a treat versus a snack. Not only can snacking increase your risk of cavities, but when it’s sugary goodness you’re reaching for, this risk amplifies. As we learned in our blog post about soda & “sugar-free” drinks, we know that sugars sit on your teeth and eat away at your tooth enamel. Instead, focus your snacking on foods that can help to protect your tooth enamel. 

Try to Avoid Sour Candy

A title that no candy wants to earn, sour candy is known as being the worst kind for your teeth because it’s extremely acidic. The extra acidity factor combined with sugar means that your tooth enamel will become even more sensitive. When you try to brush your teeth when they’re already sensitive, you run the risk of doing more damage to them. 

Sticky is Icky

Much like sour candy, sticky candy holds a bad reputation, too. Candies like taffy cling to your teeth and can take longer to get washed away by saliva. This will increase the risk of tooth decay.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your body is fueled by what you put into it. We often overlook the impact that foods have on our mouth health, and instead focus on how they affect our general health. The fact of the matter is that our diet is critical to our teeth and gum health, too.

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated and drinking water not only helps you to rinse away loose particles as you enjoy your sweet treats, but it can also help to prevent tooth decay. If you’re drinking bottled water, keep your eyes out for fluoridated water.

Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Just because it’s that time of year, it doesn’t give you carte blanche to abandon your oral hygiene routine. Now, more than ever, it’s important that you continue to brush and floss daily. At the very least, try your best to ensure that your children are still brushing twice daily and flossing in the evenings.

We wish everyone a safe, happy & healthy fall and an enjoyable Halloween!