Soddy Daisy Smiles team shares a dentist's guide to a healthy Halloween

Halloween is loved holiday for adults and children everywhere, and while we all may know the treats aren't necessarily the best thing for us, we all indulge at least a little and it seems that kids and candy is an unavoidable combination. Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer at Soddy Daisy Smiles actually get into the holiday themselves and want their patients to know that it's okay to enjoy and there are some things you can do on the front end to have a healthy, but fun, Halloween.

"We have everyone in the office dress up every year, and we even eat Halloween candy," Dr. Mandy shared. "It's absolutely possible to enjoy the day and still keep your smile healthy at the same time." The first and probably biggest thing to keep in mind is to eat candy in moderation and not over do it, Dr. Robert suggested.

"We all have our favorites, and it can be tempting to keep all that candy around and just go to town, but it's best to just pick out some of the ones you love the most and get rid of the rest," he
explained.

Any remaining candy can be donated out to organizations like Operation Gratitude that sends treats to troops overseas or similar groups for families who don't want to trash the stash and avoid the feeling of being wasteful.

Timing is another key factor to make sure you and the kids are caring for your teeth well during the holiday. Dr. Mandy said you should be sure to time your treats either with a meal or shortly after a meal time.

"This helps cancel out acids made by your mouth's bacteria and rinses away food particles," she said. Dr. Mandy added that you should also avoid snacking on the sweets during the course of the day, as the sugar builds up and increases the risk of cavities forming. Chewing a sugar free gum can help curb those sweet cravings during the day and help you maintain your oral health.

Next, consider the type of candy you pick to eat. Dr. Robert shared that if possible avoid too much hard candy that can cause cracked teeth or create super sticky residue in the mouth.

"Candy that's not hard and super sticky is the best for your overall dental health if you're going to indulge a little," he said. "If it's sour and makes you pucker, it's probably best to skip it, as these are typically the candies that are very acidic and lead to weakened tooth enamel."

Another thing to keep in mind according to both dentists is drinking plenty of water. Just like any other day, lots of water and proper hydration are critical for healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Mandy shared that fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay that candy can sometimes accelerate.

"Of course, we can't overlook brushing and flossing," Dr. Robert said. "Brushing your teeth and flossingbetween teeth at least twice a day is always important for your oral health, but even more so on Halloween after you enjoy your treats. We sometimes even suggest patients add an extra brush or floss in to the day to be sure nothing gets overlooked, and if you're snacking on things like popcorn balls or caramel corn, definitely be sure to have some floss on hand for the kernels that get stuck in your teeth."

The team at Soddy Daisy Smiles is available to answer any questions or concerns. To schedule an appointment for an exam or cleaning, contact 423-332-5275 or visit soddydaisysmiles.com.

Noteworthy: "Candy that's not hard and super sticky is the best for your overall dental health if you're going to indulge a little." Dr. Robert Shearer