Hard candy is not as common as it once was, but you may find more of it around your house the day after Halloween. Unfortunately, this particular type of candy comes with a number of oral health risks and, unless proper care is taken, may see you needing to visit Marion dentist Dr. Blaine McLaughlin before your next routine appointment.

To help avoid these issues, bear the following things in mind:

• When bitten, hard candy can chip, crack, or break teeth
• When left in the mouth too long, hard candy can increase risks for tooth decay

The best solution? Avoid hard candy. The second best? Limit your consumption of this treat and make sure to brush after eating it.

Halloween is a fun and festive holiday, but it comes with a number of increased risks for tooth sensitivity, cavities, and even tooth loss. Be sure to brush after every sugary snack, floss both morning and night, and reduce your intake of sugary beverages during this season to help protect your smile from unnecessary damage.

Dr. McLaughlin and the team at Dental Touch Associates hope you and your family have a safe and happy Halloween. To schedule your next visit at our Marion, Iowa office, please contact Dental Touch Associates today. We welcome patients from Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities.