Great place and family friendly. Lexie (dental hygienist) was wonderful with my 5 and 3 year old today as she cleaned their teeth. Wendy (receptionist) was so kind to my kids and helped keep them entertained as I got my teeth cleaned. I have always had a great experience here and highly recommend going!

Halloween brings excitement, costumes, and bags full of sweet treats. While candy makes the holiday fun, it can also spell trouble for healthy teeth in Ames, IA.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between enjoying Halloween and keeping your smile bright. Smart strategies help you enjoy Halloween sweets without sacrificing your smile.
Also, remember to call 515-337-2244 for a post-Halloween dental cleaning and exam at Dentistry At Somerset.
Why Candy Threatens Your Teeth
Sweet treats turn your mouth into a battleground between sugar and enamel. When you eat candy, mouth bacteria feast on the sugar and create acid as waste. This acid sits on your teeth like tiny drops of poison, slowly eating away at the protective enamel coating.
Chewy candies like taffy and fruit snacks stick around longer, giving these harmful bacteria an extended sugar buffet. Hard candies that you suck on bathe your teeth in sugar for extended periods.
The timing makes things worse, too. Kids often eat Halloween candy throughout the day, giving teeth repeated sugar attacks instead of one concentrated exposure. This constant bombardment weakens enamel and can lead to cavities.
Pick Your Halloween Treats Wisely
Your candy bowl doesn’t have to be your teeth’s enemy. Some sweets cause less damage than others, so knowing which ones to reach for can make a big difference:
Tooth-Friendly Treats:
- Dark chocolate (melts quickly and washes away easier)
- Sugar-free gum (actually helps clean teeth)
- Nuts mixed with chocolate (protein helps balance sugar)
Candies to Limit:
- Sticky gummies and caramels
- Sour candies (extra acidic)
- Hard candies that dissolve slowly
- Chewy treats that get stuck in teeth
Prevention Strategies That Work
Maintaining healthy teeth in Ames during Halloween season requires a game plan. The key is managing when and how candy gets eaten, not just avoiding it completely.
When You Eat Matters:
- Enjoy sweets during meals when your mouth makes more spit to wash away sugar
- Set a candy time once daily rather than snacking all day long
- Keep treats away from bedtime when your mouth dries out
Protective Steps:
- Swish water around your mouth after candy to sweep away leftover sugar
- Give your teeth a 30-minute break before brushing (sugar acid makes enamel soft for a while)
- Choose treats that can be eaten quickly rather than slowly dissolved
The Power of Good Oral Care
Regular brushing and flossing become even more important during candy season. Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen enamel against acid attacks. Flossing removes sticky particles that get trapped between teeth where bacteria love to hide.
Consider adding a fluoride rinse to your routine during Halloween season for extra protection. This gives teeth an additional shield against cavity-causing bacteria.
Making Halloween Healthier
You can still enjoy Halloween while protecting your family’s smiles. Set reasonable limits rather than completely banning treats. Let kids enjoy their favorites in moderation, then store the rest for later or donate excess candy.
Focus on the fun parts of Halloween beyond candy. Costumes, decorations, and spending time with friends and family create lasting memories without harming teeth.
Protect Your Family’s Smiles
Keeping healthy teeth in Ames means balancing holiday fun with smart choices. Regular dental checkups help catch any problems early and keep your family’s smiles bright year-round.
Call Dentistry at Somerset today at 515-337-2244 for an appointment in Ames, IA. You can also request an appointment online.