Halloween means dressing up in fun costumes, going trick-or-treating, and eating lots of candy! But enjoying Halloween doesn’t have to leave you with a spooky smile! Keep reading for three helpful tips to keep your smile healthy and bright this Halloween.

The Frightening Truth About Halloween Treats

Unfortunately, that candy you love to eat at Halloween can be dangerous for your teeth. Most candy is high in sugar, and when you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids. These acids break down your tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

Besides the high sugar content, many kinds of candy are also sticky. These candies stick to your teeth, giving the sugar more time to damage your tooth enamel. 

But candy isn’t the only harmful Halloween treat. Soda and energy drinks are also high in sugar and acidity, which can lead to tooth enamel damage. 
Learn More: What is Tooth Enamel and Why is it Important? 

3 Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy This Halloween 

1. Be Choosy About Candy Choices

One of the first ways to protect your oral health is to choose the least harmful candy for your teeth and gums.

What is the least harmful candy?

• Chocolate and other candies that dissolve or melt away quickly are the best choices because they don’t stick to your teeth. 
• Sugar-free gum promotes saliva, which helps remove harmful bacteria and keeps your teeth clean until you can brush them. 

What is the most harmful candy?

• Chewy candy, like gummies, taffy, and caramel, can stay stuck on and between your teeth for hours, increasing the risk of cavities. 
• Sour candies are usually chewy and get stuck between teeth. They are also highly acidic and contain a lot of sugar. 
• Hard candy, especially suckers, that can crack or chip your teeth. Sucking on hard candy also allows sugar to sit on your teeth for a long time.

 
2. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water after you eat candy helps wash away any lingering sugar and acids that can harm your teeth. Consider carrying a water bottle while trick-or-treating so you can take a sip after eating a piece of candy.

3. Eat Candy in Moderation

Eat a few pieces of Halloween candy, but try not to graze on it all day (or all month!). Our mouths constantly work to restore optimal pH balance and to use our saliva to help clean our teeth. After snacking on Halloween candy, rinse your mouth with water or chew some sugarless gum. Both stimulate saliva production and help keep leftover sugars flowing around your mouth.

Learn More: Tips to Keep Your Teeth Clean Between Dental Cleanings

Happy Halloween from Atkins & Anderson, DDS

With a little extra care and attention, you can enjoy your Halloween candy and still have a healthy smile! Be sure to brush twice daily, floss once a day, and see your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups. 

If you’re looking for a dentist in the Bryan/College Station area who can provide the highest quality dental care to every member of your family, contact Atkins & Anderson Family Dentistry today.