The National Retail Federation reports that 94.3 percent of Americans will spend $2.5 billion on Halloween candy this year. You may claim that all those sweets are for the trick-or-treaters alone, but we know it’s nearly impossible to avoid indulging yourself. Even if you do manage to hand out every last piece of candy to Darth Vader and Princess Aurora, zombies and witches, there are still your kids’ treat bags to tempt you. Of course, you should be able to enjoy Halloween just like everyone else, but if you have cosmetic dentistry of any kind, choose your candy wisely.
Your Crowns May Ghost You
The special cement that is used to bond a porcelain tooth crown to your natural tooth is super-strong and meant to last for decades. However, serious indulgence in chewy Halloween candy can be enough to undo even the most secure dental work. If you must have sweets on All Hallows Eve, go easy on your teeth and leave the chewy stuff to the kids who are looking for alternative ways to pull out their loose tooth.
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Your Fillings Could Land in the Graveyard
If you have amalgam fillings in your mouth that you’ve long wanted to replace, losing a filling because of Halloween candy indulgence may be ideal for you. Anyone in need of a dental filling would be wise to opt for tooth-colored fillings. These composite fillings are not only free of toxic mercury, they are a natural color, which complements your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are also incredibly strong, adding a layer of extra support and protection to your enamel and tooth.
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Your Skeleton Teeth May Break
Whether it’s a lollipop or one exceptionally hard piece of taffy, biting down on the wrong kind of candy can break a tooth, from molars to front teeth. Teeth that are already compromised by damage are at an even greater risk of encountering Halloween horrors after chomping on Halloween candy. It’s better to avoid the tough and chewy stuff and stick with the softer candies, if you must. Chocolate is actually one of the “best” candies for teeth because it is washed away more easily and, in most cases, is soft to chew. However, if you’re living with broken teeth, it’s time to schedule a dental exam to figure out if you need cosmetic dentistry repairs.
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Your Zombie Teeth May Rot
One night (or one week, or one month) of Halloween candy indulgence is definitely enough to create tooth decay and cavities. If your teeth are already in bad shape because you’ve neglected preventive care at home or avoided regular visits to the dentist, that’s a problem that must be addressed. Do you have loose teeth that you worry about losing? You may be suffering from periodontal disease, which requires serious attention and cleaning up. Loose teeth and gum disease are not problems that fix themselves – your dentist will need to recreate the foundation of your smile before any cosmetic work can be completed. And, honestly, Halloween candy is the least of your worries.
If your teeth react quite violently to even a little bit of Halloween-candy eating, then it is time to schedule an appointment with your Manhattan cosmetic dentist to discuss your smile makeover options. Don’t take chances with your teeth. Make an appointment with Manhattan dentist Dr. Michael J. Wei to discuss your oral health concerns and questions.
