SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI-October is a fun time of year for many people, full of tricks, treats and haunted houses, but no one wants their mouth to be a scary place this Halloween, full of bacteria, plaque and cavities. Chances are if you aren’t taking care of your teeth you could end up with just that or worse.

“We want our patients to have fun celebrating Halloween safely and in a way that won’t damage their oral or overall health,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, a Springfield, Missouri dentistry provider.

Keeping teeth healthy is important for maintaining good-looking pearly whites and low dental bills, but good oral hygiene can also help protect from many other health problems. Being proactive and preventing issues before they start is the best way to avoid potential problems. That means brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush and flossing daily. We also recommend using a fluoridated mouthwash and drinking plenty of water to assist your mouth’s natural defense against dental caries-causing bacteria.

“From the trick-or-treating candy to the Halloween parties, there are a lot of sugary treats being consumed, so it is more important than ever to be diligent with brushing and flossing,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a dental crowns provider.

You should also get two professional cleanings and examinations each year like the American Dental Association recommends. This gives us the ability to do oral cancer and periodontal disease screenings and treat conditions early, nipping them in the bud before they become an emergency situation.

“Swapping out sugary treats for more healthy alternatives like fresh fruit, veggies or nuts is a good idea,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, an implant dentistry expert. “What you should avoid doing at all costs is grazing on snacks and treats all day because that leaves teeth awash in cavity-causing bacteria all day.”

No one likes cavities, but there are even bigger health problems that have been linked to poor oral health. Here are three very good reasons to make sure you are keeping your mouth and teeth healthy:

1. Good oral health reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
   Many research studies have shown how inflammation and bacteria in the oral cavity can find its way into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of a heart attack and stroke because of the thickening of the arteries and fatty plaques that build up on the inside of the vessels.
2. Healthy teeth, gums and oral tissue may stave off diabetes.
   People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of gum, or periodontal, disease, but some theories suggest that preventing gum infections and keeping the mouth healthy may stave off diabetes in the first place. The reasoning is that serious oral infections can lead to low-grade inflammation throughout your body and that inflammation may destroy your ability to process sugar.
3. Keeping pearly whites squeaky clean decreases the risk of respiratory infections.
   Any bacteria, specifically the ones caused by periodontal disease, can form anywhere in the mouth, including the upper throat where it is susceptible to being inhaled into the lower respiratory tract. This can lead to infection or obstruction of breathing and even more serious lung-related problems.

“If you don’t know what to do with all that leftover Halloween candy, consider sending it to an organization like Operation Gratitude or Operation Shoebox that sends it to the brave women and men in our military,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, a Springfield, Missouri Invisalign expert.

We’re invested in our patients’ overall health not just their teeth, so if you need information or have questions about dental health and its far-reaching effects we are more than happy to assist however we can.

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