Whether you have kids or not, it’s hard to escape the temptation of Halloween candy.

It’s all around us, at the cash registers, the office lounge, and probably on your kitchen counter.

Since we know sugar in excess causes tooth decay, cavities, and other dental health problems, how can you possibly make it through the sweetest holiday of the year without putting your smile at risk?

Along with visiting your Crofton dentist every six months for dental cleanings, here are three tips for a teeth-friendly Halloween:

  1. Practice Moderation – Instead of keeping the candy out where you have to see it every time you walk through the kitchen, put it in a cabinet, and only get out a piece or two after you’ve had a healthy meal so you don’t overindulge.
  2. Rinse Your Mouth – Between your morning and nightly brushing, you can give your teeth some additional help by rinsing your mouth out with water after you eat a piece of candy to wash away food particles and sugary residue.
  3. Know Treats vs. Tricks – Soft, plain chocolate candy is easier to chew and won’t stick to your teeth like gooey substances like caramel, marshmallows, and taffy. Hard candy like suckers and jawbreakers are also more trick than treat because you can bite down on it and chip or break a tooth or restoration.

You can have too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to sugar. To protect your teeth at Halloween, you don’t have to avoid candy altogether, but practicing moderation and keeping your mouth clean will help prevent dental disasters!

Call Owens Dental of Crofton in Crofton, MD at 301-261-3800 or schedule online.