Halloween is a day of frights and scares with spooky costumes and attractions. While fear can give you an adrenaline rush, your smile shouldn’t be the source of it. Dental emergencies can leave you worried, but you can avoid them by following the right tips. Here are four things that can set you up for success and protect your oral health while you celebrate the night.
Have Sweets in Moderation
Whether you’re doing your own trick-or-treating or handing out candy, you might indulge in them. Other themed sweets can be fun, but having them all day long can increase your risk of cavities. They feed the bacteria in your mouth and can turn into a slight toothache. Limiting these items can go a long way in protecting your smile.
Avoid Hard Candies
Not only should you have candies in moderation, but watch out for hard ones. Munching on them can chip or crack your tooth. This emergency can be uncomfortable to deal with, so you’ll rush to your dentist to get it handled. If you do want to have a lollipop, jawbreaker, or the like, then simply suck them. Don’t bite down!
Brush and Floss at the End of the Night
After a long night of celebrating with friends, you might be worn out and ready to head to bed. However, don’t forget to brush and floss. These steps of your dental hygiene remove plaque that can cause oral health issues. That way, you don’t wake up in the morning with sensitivity and early signs of decay.
Visit the Dentist Before Halloween
If you have time, visit your dentist before your celebrations. Having a checkup can ensure there are no existing dental problems that can creep up on Halloween. There may be a chance you don’t have room in your schedule until after, so you can also schedule a visit then. Regardless, your dentist can strengthen your smile and ensure you avoid dental emergencies this time of the year and beyond.
About the Author
Dr. Carole Emanuel earned her dental degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. She is dedicated to helping patients in Lakewood with their urgent oral care by offering same-day visits. Dr. Emanuel uses state-of-the-art technology to find effective solutions to the issue at hand. If you want to make sure your teeth and gums are in great shape before Halloween, schedule an appointment or call her office at 303-986-0090.