How to Enjoy Halloween Candy and Protect Your Teeth

Halloween is almost here, and with it comes a ton of candy! While indulging in your favorite treats is part of the fun, it’s important to take care of your teeth to avoid the real scare – cavities. Here are a few tips from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry to help you keep your smile healthy this Halloween season:

1. Choose the Right Time
   Try to eat your candy during meals or soon after. Mealtimes increase saliva production, which helps protect your teeth by washing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids.

2. Make Good Choices
   Avoid hard candies and those that dissolve slowly in your mouth. The longer sugary foods stay in contact with your teeth, the greater the risk of tooth decay.

3. Watch Your Candy Intake
   Limit candy consumption to avoid constant sugar exposure. Too much snacking on sweets can quickly lead to cavities. Try to enjoy your treats once or twice a day.

4. Skip the Sticky Stuff
   Sticky candies, like caramels and gummies, can get stuck in hard-to-reach places and are more difficult for saliva to wash away. This allows harmful bacteria to thrive, so remember to brush soon after eating these treats.

5. Share the Sweetness
   Rather than keeping heaps of candy around, consider donating what you don’t need. Many dental offices or organizations like Operation Gratitude collect excess candy to share with others, such as military troops.

By following these tips, you can enjoy Halloween and all its sugary goodness while keeping your teeth in great shape!