Your Halloween Costume Should Be Scary, but Your Smile Doesn’t Have to Be

If you look at all the classic monsters like vampires, werewolves, ogres, and dragons, you will probably notice that they all need to keep their teeth healthy in order to successfully prey upon the unwary. Humans, on the other hand, need to keep their smiles in good shape so they can chew thoroughly, grin beautifully, and avoid nasty oral infections. Here’s how to keep your teeth healthy during the Halloween season.

Brush and Floss with Frightening Consistency

Your daily oral hygiene regimen is your first line of defense against the microscopic monsters that can cause a host of oral health problems like painful oral infections, bad breath, and unsightly dental stains. It’s crucial to brush at least twice a day, once after waking up and once before bed, and equally important to floss at least once daily. It’s also a great idea to brush and floss between meals to eliminate plaque and sugary residues that can allow harmful oral germs to multiply rapidly.

The Minty Flavor of Antibacterial Mouthwash Can Be Absolutely Chilling

Many people are afraid of the dark, but nasty oral germs that cause destructive infections of the gums and teeth are completely terrified of antibacterial mouthwash. The American Dental Association recommends using a potion such as Scope or Listerine every day to kill vast numbers of harmful oral microbes, reinforce your enamel, and freshen your breath. Be sure to look for the ADA’s seal of approval and use the product according to the instructions printed on the label.

Not All Candy Is Horrible for Your Oral Health

Fortunately, there are several Halloween treats that can deliver oral health benefits as well as a satisfyingly sweet flavor. A few options include:

• Apples: These classic Halloween snacks are tart and sweet, and they are firm enough to scrape plaque and food residue away from the teeth without harming the enamel. In fact, dentists sometimes call apples “nature’s toothbrush.”
• Sugar-free gum: The American Dental Association recommends chewing sugar-free gum for thirty minutes after snacks and meals to reduce the risk of cavities. These treats come in many fun flavors like peppermint, watermelon, and bubblegum.
• Dark chocolate: This sweet snack is low in sugar, high in antioxidants, and firm enough to help rub plaque and food debris away from your teeth. Dark chocolate with almonds will also provide a little bit of protein.

Don’t let Halloween candy zombify your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful for life.

About the Practice

Blanco Circle Dental Care offers the finest oral health services in Salinas. Led by Drs. Ed Hajdari and Arian Chehrehsa, the staff ensures that each guest enjoys courteous and compassionate treatment in a friendly office environment. Areas of expertise include cosmetic, general, restorative, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about proper oral hygiene, contact the office online or dial (831) 422-7838.