Dentist in North Sarasota Has Tips for a Healthy Halloween

Halloween can an exciting time for everyone — kids love trick-or-treating, and most adults won’t say no to a sweet treat or two at the office, either. There’s usually an abundance of candy within quick reach during October, and that can put your smile at risk of tooth decay, injuries, and other oral health problems. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Keep reading for some tips on how to have a safe and responsible Halloween from your dentist in North Sarasota!

#1: Moderation Is Key

It’s not realistic to outlaw candy completely this time of year, but it’s also important to avoid overindulging. You can keep from eating too many sweets by sticking to “fun size” or miniature candy bars and other treats. Avoid putting out bowls full of candy on your desk at work or near the TV at home, places where you are more likely to overindulge.

#2: Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is good year-round, but it will also help to curb your candy cravings during October and stimulate saliva flow to wash away bacteria and food particles naturally. Pick up a reusable water bottle and bring it with your to work or school as a reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day.

#3: Set Rules and Limits

If you have kids at home, helping them responsibly enjoy this holiday is even more important. They aren’t as able to control their candy consumption on their own — and it can help big time to set some ground rules in place. Limit the candy eating to the kitchen, and/or divide the trick-or-treating haul into individual “serving sizes” using Ziploc bags.

#4: Watch When You Snack

As far as your oral health is concerned, it’s not only important what you eat — but also WHEN you eat it. Because your mouth produces more saliva during meals, it’s better for your teeth to indulge in candy and other sweets after a full meal rather than snacking on it throughout the day.

#5: Visit the Dentist

If you experience a broken tooth or any other emergency during the Halloween season, know who to call! Your emergency dentist should be on your speed dial. In North Sarasota, that’s Dr. Warren G. Hoffman. He and his staff are on hand to help you get out of pain and on with your life in the event of an emergency.

And, after Halloween season is over, it’s a great idea to get a checkup and cleaning from your dentist. Patients of all ages should visit the dentist at least every six months — and there’s no better time than right after the sugariest month of the year!

To conclude, Halloween can put you at risk of a host of oral health issues… but it doesn’t have to. Follow these tips and feel good going into the holiday season with a clean and healthy smile!

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Warren G. Hoffman offers comprehensive dental services with a dedication to preventive care, especially. He encourages all patients to schedule a checkup and cleaning before the rush of the holiday season. To book a visit with the trusted dentist in North Sarasota, don’t wait to contact the office at (941) 358-8830.