Nearly everyone gets into a little fun during Halloween, even if it's just to pick up a bag of candy to munch on while watching spooky movies. Candy is everywhere during this time of year, and it can pose a troublesome temptation for your teeth, not just your waist. Here's what you should do if your teeth get damaged by Halloween candy.

Remove Candy

If your tooth was damaged by a piece of candy, chances are it was either too sticky, too hard, or both. If part of it is still stuck to the tooth, you need to remove that first.

Leaving the candy where it is could pose a problem. First off, the sugar in it is like jet fuel to oral bacteria. With a damaged tooth, bacteria and sugar could quickly lead to tooth decay or an infection if the damage goes deep enough in the tooth. Secondly, if there are any fragments of tooth or filling in your mouth, they could pose a choking hazard, so it's a good idea to get them out.

Avoid Cleaning

It might seem like a good idea to disinfect or clean the area, but for now, you shouldn't. Trying to brush the area could cause more damage, and it could hurt you quite a bit if you have nerves exposed in the tooth. The same can be said for mouthwash; the alcohol is far too harsh for a damaged tooth with exposed dentin or pulp.

If you can feel loose shards and want to get them out, sip some water and then slosh it by shaking your head from side to side. Don't swish; swishing or using a straw to drink creates pressure in the mouth that could break off more chunks of your tooth under the wrong circumstances. When you're done sloshing, spit out the water.

Pain Control

If you're in pain, don't be afraid to take something for it. Over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help here, and they are a better choice than aspirin or ibuprofen. The latter two may thin your blood, and if you're experiencing any bleeding, it could make it worse. Acetaminophen doesn't have this effect, so it's safe to use. You can also use a topical pain reliever that's intended for oral pain.

Dentist

Finally, contact an emergency dental service right now and get in to see them as soon as you can. The longer your tooth is exposed, the more danger you're susceptible to. Your dentist will quickly mend your teeth and remove any bacteria, plaque, or tartar that's developed over the exposed sections of the tooth.

If at all possible, stay away from sticky and hard candy this Halloween. These candies are notorious for damaging teeth, so stick with softer candy and remember to brush!

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