Tips to Protect Your Smile from Dental Emergencies This Halloween

Halloween is full of frights, and you might be excited about walking through as many haunted houses as you can. While the adrenaline rush can be fun when it’s harmless, don’t let dental emergencies scare you this holiday! Taking steps to protect your smile can go a long way in keeping your celebrations light. Here are four tips you should remember as you prepare for the night.

Keep Sweets in Moderation

Whether you’re trick-or-treating or handing out candy, you might take a couple to enjoy throughout the day. Themed sweets are fun, but they are sugary. They feed the bacteria in your mouth, and overindulging causes plaque to accumulate and lead to cavities. This can turn into a toothache, so limit these items or have them with your meals.

Don’t Bite Hard Candies

Hard candies are a specific type that can be more trouble than the others. Biting down on them can damage a tooth. The chip or crack might have you scrambling to your dentist, as it can be uncomfortable. These are also like sugar bombs, since they take a while to finish. Try avoiding them entirely, or you can suck them and rinse with water afterward.

Brush and Floss Before Bed

After a fun night out with family or friends, you might want to go straight to bed and sleep. However, take a couple of minutes to brush and floss. These steps will remove plaque that built up throughout the day. If you don’t, then the bacteria can attack your teeth and gums, leading to decay or sensitivity.

Have a Dental Checkup

If you have time before Halloween, then it might be a good idea to visit your dentist. Getting in your checkup in the second half of the year can ensure your smile is in great shape for the upcoming holidays. If there’s something awry, you can get it sorted before it becomes worse. If you don’t have time, then consider scheduling a cleaning afterward. That way, you feel confident your grin is strong against dental emergencies.

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping patients in Edmond protect their teeth and gums from dental problems with preventive care and a wide range of other treatments. However, if you end up in an oral health emergency, Dr. Crowley can often see you the same day to give you the relief you deserve. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at 405-751-5515.