Halloween celebrations can bring tricks and treats for children and adults of all ages; unfortunately, they can also be associated with excess candy consumption that can lead to serious oral health issues. Sugar that is allowed to linger on teeth mixes with naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth to create an acidic environment. This acidic environment leads to harmful plaque build up which gradually damages tooth enamel and causes painful cavities. There is significant cause for concern; according to the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, approximately 19,000 children under age six undergo day surgery to treat severe dental decay each year. Sweet treats and sugary foods can lead to cavities that require professional dental fillings for cavity treatment at our West Edmonton office which restore tooth health and prevent decay progression into deeper tooth layers.
Maintaining good dental health doesn't have to stop when the trick-or-treating starts, however. There are many preventative measures you can implement to keep a healthy smile on your face before, during, and after the Halloween season.
Nine Ways You Can Consume Candy Without Hurting Your Teeth
Set limits. Decide before trick-or-treating and Halloween events what a reasonable amount of candy to consume will be on the night of and days to follow. Make a specific consumption plan as a family — and stick to it — so everyone's on the same page regarding quantity and frequency.
Choose wisely. Softer candies don't damage or stick to tooth enamel the same way hard-shelled and chewy candies can. Treats such as taffy and caramels may stick to teeth longer and cause significant damage to enamel, dental fillings, and orthodontic devices, while hard candies like suckers can chip teeth or prolong sugar exposure. You may want to think about removing these potentially damaging types of candy from your Halloween stash.
Know your teeth. If you or your children are prone to sensitive teeth or heavy plaque deposits, consider reducing your candy consumption even more than average to protect vulnerable enamel and gum tissue.
Buddy up. When consuming candy, try to pair it with crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots, or eat it after a well-balanced meal to stimulate saliva production and neutralize acids.
Keep the water coming. Staying hydrated is good for your body and your dental health. Water helps wash away the sugar residue that may accumulate and damage tooth enamel over time. Drink a full glass of water immediately after eating candy. You can also choose to chew a piece of sugar-free gum; this promotes increased saliva production which also helps remove sugar particles from teeth surfaces.
Get a check-up. Getting a comprehensive dental checkup before or after Halloween can help identify and address potential dental problems early. Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to make sure your oral health is in good shape for candy consumption.
Avoid idle snacking. Keep candy out of sight and out of mind to avoid unconscious snacking on it throughout the day. Think of candy consumption as a planned reward or occasional treat after a nutritious meal rather than an all-day grazing option.
Beware excess. Buy Halloween candy within reasonable limits. Excess candy often remains in cupboards well past its expiry date, which can lead to further tooth decay if consumption is unchecked when a sugar craving hits. If children are trick-or-treating, send them with appropriately small treat bags so they don't bring home large volumes of candy that encourage overconsumption.
Hygiene for the win. Keep up with good dental hygiene practices. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day using a good quality fluoride toothpaste, soft-bristled toothbrush, and dental floss, and use an antimicrobial oral mouth rinse. For effective cleaning on the go, consider keeping portable dental flossers at hand in your bag or backpack for immediate post-candy care.
FAQs on Halloween Dental Care
What is the white stuff that the dentist put on my teeth?
The "paint" that goes on your teeth is fluoride varnish. This protective coating helps prevent the loss of tooth enamel and strengthen teeth against decay through remineralization. It's typically applied at the end of professional dental cleaning and can also work to decrease enamel sensitivity by sealing microscopic tubules. Adults who visited the dentist as children may remember this kind of application used to involve foam trays with flavoured fluoride solutions!
What happens when you don't floss after eating candy?
Not flossing after eating candy allows sugar-laden particles that get caught between your teeth to linger in these hard-to-reach spaces. The longer food particles are left behind, particularly those containing excess sugar, the greater the chance for them to mix with oral bacteria in your mouth to create damaging acid. This acid actively breaks down the protective enamel on and between teeth, leading to interproximal cavities. The accumulated bacteria can also cause plaque buildup along the gumline, which can cause inflammation and eventually develop into periodontal gum disease if left untreated.
What does it mean when my hygienist scores my teeth 0–9?
When you're in the dentist's chair, you may notice the hygienist calling out numbers from 0–9. These periodontal pocket depth measurements are part of screening for gum disease and indicate the depth of the pockets (gum recession) around your teeth in millimeters. Healthy gums typically measure 1-3mm in depth. The higher the number, the greater the risk of advanced gum disease and the possibility of greater dental intervention to prevent alveolar bone loss or tooth loss. Readings of 4mm or higher often indicate active gum disease requiring treatment.
How long do sealants last?
A dental sealant is a preventative treatment intended to shield teeth against decay and cavities by protecting the deep recesses of biting surfaces (essentially blocking food particles and bacteria from resting in these small crevices). These protective barriers are applied by "painting" a thin, clear or tooth-colored resin coating on the necessary areas, typically molars and premolars. While adults can get sealants in some cases, children and teenagers typically receive the most benefit since their newly erupted permanent teeth are most vulnerable. It's estimated that with good oral care and regular dental check-ups, properly applied sealants can remain effectively bonded to teeth for around 10 years before needing replacement.
What do dentists give out on Halloween?
Many dentists like to participate in Halloween fun, too! They often give out tooth-friendly alternatives, like sugar-free xylitol lollipops that actually help prevent cavities, or pair a small candy treat with a colorful toothbrush as a friendly reminder to maintain good oral hygiene. Like many health-conscious individuals, they may choose to give out non-candy items, such as stickers, temporary tattoos, bubbles, or other small novelty treats that children enjoy without the sugar impact.
What can I do to maintain my teeth year-round?
A regular visit to your dentist doesn't have to be scary. Call the professional team at Lewis Estates Dental Centre for a full cleaning and comprehensive check-up to keep your oral health in tip-top condition throughout the year, not just during candy season.
Key Takeaways about Halloween Dental Health
- Halloween candy consumption creates an acidic environment in the mouth when sugar mixes with bacteria, leading to harmful plaque buildup that damages tooth enamel and causes cavities.
- Lewis Estates Dental Centre offers professional dental fillings for cavity treatment at their West Edmonton office to restore tooth health and prevent decay progression.
- Softer candies pose less risk to teeth compared to hard-shelled and chewy candies like taffy and caramels, which can stick to teeth longer and damage enamel, fillings, and orthodontic devices.
- Drinking water after eating candy helps wash away sugar that may accumulate on teeth, while chewing sugar-free gum promotes saliva production that also removes sugar from teeth.
- According to the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, approximately 19,000 children under age six undergo day surgery each year to treat dental decay.
- Fluoride varnish provides a protective coating that helps prevent enamel loss and strengthens teeth against decay, while also working to decrease enamel sensitivity.
- Dental sealants protect the recesses of biting surfaces by blocking food and bacteria from resting in small crevices, and with good care, they can remain effective for around 10 years.