Halloween is all about tricks, treats, and frights, but the last type of fright you need on your plate is driving your little one to the emergency dentist because they accidentally chipped their tooth on a jawbreaker. Focus on the fun and excitement of Halloween by taking these four steps for preventing dental emergencies this fall!
Beware of Hard Candies That Can Break Teeth
Hard caramels, jawbreakers, and Jolly Ranchers all have the potential to cause big problems on Halloween, especially if they’re not eaten carefully. Although your child may be tempted to bite down on this piece of candy so they can start munching on the next, hard candies can cause serious dental damage, like chips and cracks. You can help get ahead of an accident by warning your child of the potential for damage, or if you feel like they’re too young for hard candies, simply remove them from their Halloween candy stockpile!
Avoid Sticky Candies That Can Dislodge Fillings
Candies that are sticky can have a similar impact on you or your child’s smile as hard ones, but they pose a greater risk to any dental restorations that you may have, like tooth-colored fillings and dental crowns. As you chew these candies, they can grip onto the restoration and pull it free of its adhesive, dislodging it and requiring an unexpected trip to the emergency dentist.
Don’t Snack on Candy Throughout the Day
You’ve likely heard that sugar is one of the top causes of cavities. However, that doesn’t mean that you and your child shouldn’t indulge your sweet tooth this Halloween! Doing so in moderation and being mindful of not snacking on candy throughout the day can help reduce your risk of developing cavities. If you plan on eating candy, make sure to have a treat once or twice a day, like after meals, to minimize the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar.
Stay Hydrated with Water
Fall is all about delicious, warming beverages like apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes. However, these beverages are also known to be high in sugar. To reduce your risk of dental decay and keep sugar from collecting in the nooks and crannies of your molars, be sure to stay hydrated with water. Water will naturally rinse away debris that can fuel bacteria, helping keep them from releasing acidic waste that can erode dental enamel and cause gum infection.
You and your child don’t have to give up treats this Halloween in order to avoid a trip to the emergency dentist’s office. However, when you take these three preventive precautions, you can dramatically minimize your chances of experiencing a scare that you aren’t excited about!
About the Author
Dr. Arrechea has over 20 years of experience and is happy to treat the entire family, from the youngest members to the eldest! She’s excellent at collaborating with parents and educating children about their smiles, helping build long-term relationships and great habits. Plus, when the unexpected happens, you can count on her to provide timely emergency dental care for your loved ones. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Daily Smiles Dental Dallas’ website or call 214-624-6221.