Part of the fun of Halloween is dressing up. There’s just something about changing your look for a special occasion that’s incredibly satisfying. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can also switch up your style, but if you’re not careful this spooky season, you could end up with a real aesthetic nightmare on your hands! Keep reading for tips on how to help your beautified pearly whites survive the holiday.
Watch What You Eat
So you may not become what you eat, but hard, sticky, and excessively chewy candies can still put your dental cosmetics at risk. Porcelain veneers and metal-free restorations, for example, are pretty hardy, but can break on Lemon Heads and Jawbreakers or be pulled away by caramels and taffy. In case you were wondering what Halloween treats are safe for your dental cosmetics, chocolate is usually your best bet.
Sugar’s Monstrous Effects
If you can’t enjoy a sweet treat or two during the holidays, then when else are you supposed to enjoy them? It’s okay to have a few pieces of Halloween candy – as long as you’re paying attention to your sugar intake.
Sugar accelerates bacterial growth, which is a major contributor to conditions like tooth decay and gum disease. Newly whitened teeth won’t look as brilliant if bacteria create a cavity, and if gum disease weakens your pink dental supports you could very well lose your teeth and your cosmetics!
Scare Off Harmful Bacteria with Oral Hygiene
Along with limiting sugar, you can mitigate oral bacteria build up by maintaining strong oral hygiene habits. Here are some handy tricks to keep up your sleeve:
- Brush your teeth twice daily.
- Check with your dentist to make sure your oral care products won’t damage your cosmetics.
- Floss once per day and invest in a water flosser if traditional thread is holding you back!
- Rinse your mouth with warm water after each snack and meal.
- Stay hydrated so your saliva can more efficiently keep your pearly whites clean.
- Fill your day (and your stomach) with fibrous vegetables that will also help your saliva.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning.
There are many ways to protect your oral health and dental cosmetics from Halloween shenanigans. These tips are a great place to start, but your dentist might have more suggestions that are specific to your unique oral situation and preferences. Don’t forget to give them a call to ask for more advice and schedule a checkup and cleaning for some post-spook dental hygiene while you’re at it!
About the Practice
Dr. Sheila Gordon-Holt and Dr. Nemish Shah have been helping patients preserve their smiles for over 20 years. Dr. Holt in particular focuses on restoring patient confidence through quality dental cosmetics. If you’d like to know how best to care for your enhanced smile, she’d be happy to talk with you! To contact Dr. Holt and Dr. Shah’s office, call 704-542-2325.