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Halloween is a fun holiday where everyone dresses up and goes around asking for candy. As a parent, it is important to make sure that your children enjoy Halloween without putting their oral health at risk. Listed below are some tips that can help you maintain your and your child's oral health during this holiday.

Brush After Eating Candy

One of the most common oral issues we see around this time of year is tooth decay due to candy consumption. Be sure to brush your teeth after eating any sugary treats!

Try not to eat too many sweets at once. Try to eat a couple of pieces of candy at a time, and be sure to drink water in between! This will help rinse away food particles and keep your mouth clean.

Some candies are worse than others when it comes to promoting tooth decay because they are high in sugar and acids. Some of these include lollipops, sour candies, and hard candy like Jolly Ranchers and Life Savers. If you do decide to indulge and have some candy, try to brush afterward to reduce the damage sugar can cause your teeth.

If you suffer from frequent cavities or tooth pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist before the holidays so he or she can recommend the best treatment plan for you. If left untreated for too long, tooth decay can lead to more serious problems such as tooth loss or even gum disease.

Rinse and Floss After Eating Candy

The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar. Avoid eating sticky candies, which are prone to get stuck to your teeth. Instead, choose chocolates that are easier to remove. When possible, wait about a half hour after eating candy before brushing your teeth for less abrasive cleaning. The following tips can help you reduce the harmful effects of snacking on sugary treats:

• Drink plenty of water. The water will help rinse away food particles and neutralize the acids produced by oral bacteria.
• Use a mouthwash at least twice a day. Look for an alcohol-free formula to avoid drying out your mouth.
• Visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. Your dentist can remove tartar buildup that regular brushing can't remove. He or she can also detect and treat early signs of tooth decay.
• Eat a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables contain natural sugars instead of refined varieties, such as white flour and table sugar. These foods can help balance your oral bacteria levels.
• Limit the number of sweet treats you eat on Halloween. Consuming too many sweets can increase your chances of getting a cavity.
• Consider giving out non-candy treats like stickers or temporary tattoos instead.
• Choose costumes that won't restrict your breathing or get in the way of chewing your food.
• Keep a close eye on your kids to make sure they don't eat too much candy. Have a chat with them while trick-or-treating about the potential dangers of consuming a lot of sugar. Point out how some kinds of candy aren't good for their teeth.

Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (503) 581-2446 to consult with our dentist, Dr. Giruc, and we will be happy to assist you further.