Whether you are preparing to dress up like a black cat, vampire, ghost, or witch this Halloween, you likely want your costume to stand out. From the hair and make-up to the shoes and fake blood, how you make it your own is up to you. But the one component you don’t want scaring people off is your smile. To avoid a trip to the emergency dentist’s office because of a nagging toothache, here are three ways to protect your pearly whites and ensure they remain the least scary part of your Halloween costume.
Skip the Alcohol and Drink Lots of Water
When planning to attend a party, you’ll want to limit your alcohol consumption. Containing large amounts of sugar, these beverages can add to the risk of developing cavities during the holidays. Not to mention, too much of your favorite beer or wine can lead to impaired driving and issues concerning your sleep patterns.
Stay hydrated at this year’s soiree by drinking plenty of water instead. Not only will you feel more energetic, but you’ll avoid the headache the next morning and keep your teeth and gums free of bad oral bacteria.
Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Halloween night usually means staying out late. As a result, you may get home and feel too tired to do anything but fall into bed and sleep. Doing so will mean neglecting your oral hygiene routine and allowing bacteria and plaque to form on your pearly whites overnight.
Minimize the possibility of unhealthy particles nestling in the crevices of your smile and make time to brush, floss, and rinse before bed. This decision to take proper care of your smile will help you to reap the benefits of a healthy smile throughout the holidays – a time when cavities increase, and more dental emergencies occur.
Keep Snacking to a Minimum
You may be tempted to sneak over to that bowl of candy at your friend’s house and pick out some of your favorite pieces throughout the night, but doing so will only heighten the likelihood of cavities and tooth decay.
While snacking can be beneficial (depending on what it is you’re eating), it can lead to more serious bacterial accumulation that hinders the health of your smile. Instead of reaching for candy, try snacking on raw fruits or vegetables. These are not only healthier options, but they can act like mini toothbrushes, clearing away any bacteria that will try to harm your teeth.
If you want to make your smile the focal point of your costume this year, make sure it looks its best. Your pearly whites should never be an accessory that causes others to cringe, so consider these helpful tips to keep your costume the only scary thing people will see this Halloween.
About the Practice
At Longmont Complete Dentistry, our team understands the struggle that can come with eating certain foods in moderation. While the holidays are a time for enjoying sweet treats, they can also be a time for dental emergencies that consist of severe toothaches caused by cavities. If you are looking to better protect your and your family’s smiles this Halloween, contact us at (303) 772-7000.