6 Halloween Tips from Your Family Dentist in Waterbury

Halloween is an exciting time of year. As you pick out creative costumes for your family, hang spooky decorations, and plan for the perfect Trick-of-Treating locations, do not forget about the health of your loved one’s smiles. As you are surrounded by sweet treats and laughter, your family dentist in Waterbury has a few tips to keep in mind during the evening to maintain healthy smiles.

1. Limit Your Candy Consumption

Everyone likes to overindulge on Halloween candy, but it is best to limit how much your family eats. Instead of eating it all in one night, save some for later. Then, eat a couple of pieces each day until your candy stash is gone. It is best to have it after a meal because food helps to cleanse cavity-causing bacteria from your teeth. Never eat it right before going to bed because the sugars cling to the teeth, increasing the risk of a cavity.

2. Be Picky about Your Candy

As you sort through your family’s Halloween baskets, be picky about the candies you keep. Toss those that are sticky or chewy because they stick to the teeth, especially in the crevasses of the molars. This makes them difficult to remove. Instead, it is better to keep those that easily dissolve or can be rinsed away easily, like powders or chocolates.

3. Drink Up

Drinking water is vital to staying hydrated; however, it is also important for keeping your mouth clean in between brushing and flossing. It helps to cleanse the teeth from harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. It is best to encourage your family to drink plenty of water throughout the evening, especially after eating candy.

4. Chew Sugar-Less Gum

Sugar-less gum is a great way to encourage saliva production to keep your teeth clean. It helps to clean your teeth while keeping your family’s breath minty fresh.

5. Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss

As the evening comes to an end and you try to get everyone in bed, do not forget to have them brush their teeth for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. In addition, have them floss in between each tooth before going to bed.

6. Donate Your Candy

After Halloween has passed, consider donating any remaining candy to a local food bank or shelter. Your family will help put smiles on the faces of those in the community while you also remove the temptation from your home.

Get a Healthy Smile for Halloween

As you prepare for a fun evening of Trick-or-Treating, take the time to schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist in Waterbury. You will ensure everyone starts the holiday with a healthy, clean smile.

About Waterbury Smiles

Dr. Marini and Dr. Mancini are committed to creating generations of healthy smiles. They strive to keep the teeth and gums healthy through preventive care. If your loved ones need a cleaning and checkup, contact our office today.