Oral Care Tips for Halloween

Reduce your risk of cavities this Halloween.

The tricks of protecting teeth from treats

The month of October is filled with treats to celebrate the spookiest day of the year, Halloween! Parties and trick-or-treating are activities that both adults and children enjoy. Follow the tips below for a mouth-healthy Halloween.

• Avoid sour candy. The acid in sour candies can be harmful to teeth by breaking down enamel. In terms of cavity-causing candies, they are some of the worst offenders.
• Avoid hard or sticky candy. Hard and sticky candies take a long time to dissolve and cling to the teeth. This allows plenty of time for bacteria to convert the sugar in the candy into acid. This breaks down tooth enamel and increases your risk for cavities.
• Chew sugar-free gum. After eating treats, chew sugarless gum for 20 minutes. Your mouth produces saliva as you chew, and this helps to neutralize acids that cause tooth decay.
• Rinse with or drink water immediately after eating sweets if brushing and flossing is not an option. This clears away sugar and acid that cling to the teeth. Additionally, it helps balance the pH level in the mouth to help reduce the risk of developing tooth decay.
• Brush and floss. To defend and protect the teeth against cavity-causing bacteria, remember to brush twice a day and floss daily. After eating acidic foods or drinks, wait 30 minutes before brushing.

Alternative fun giveaways

The sweetest gestures at Halloween are often those that are more long-lasting than candy. Non-candy treats are just as popular, fun and exciting. They are great choices that can also help to reduce allergy-related concerns. Based on the age of those participating, options may include:

• Bouncy balls
• Slinkies
• Stickers
• Glow sticks
• School supplies, such as pencils
• Mini bottled water
• Mini puzzles

The key to enjoying Halloween treats is moderation and taking small steps to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Some communities offer candy buy-back programs where candy can be exchanged for other types of rewards. Check out community newsletters or websites to see if a buy-back program is available in your area. Happy Halloween!

Blue365^® discounts

BCBS FEP Dental members can access premier health and wellness discounts from leading brands through our Blue365 program. Many deals are available and new ones are constantly being added. To help with nutrition and maintaining a healthy smile, items include discounts on snacks and oral care products. Visit Blue365 to learn more.

Note: The information in this article is not meant to replace the advice of your dentist or another licensed healthcare professional. Talk to your dentist for any specific dental advice.