Halloween Costume Conundrum: Here's How to Best Protect Your Teeth

Holiday season is officially here and that means it's time to invest in the spookiest season of all: Halloween.

While we already know how bad chewy and hard candies can be for your teeth, there's another aspect of Halloween that many people overlook: costumes. Each year, countless adults and children invest in Halloween costumes that inevitably damage their teeth as a result.

If you're gearing up for a harrowing Halloween, ensure your oral health is maintained as you pick out your perfect costume. Here are some of the top fashion faux pas to avoid this year:

Fake vampire teeth

Plastic vampire teeth have been around for decades and it's likely that they're not going anywhere any time soon. While these teeth are a fun way to top off a creepy costume, these plastic fangs aren't good for your pearly whites. In most cases, they won't do too much damage -- a jagged plastic part might scratch your gums -- but there isn't too much to worry about.

However, any family-friendly dental care specialist will tell you that people with sensitive teeth can rarely benefit from these options. Those who have recently received dental work should steer clear of teeth coverings, including prosthetic fangs. After all, it's estimated that Americans spend over $2.75 billion on cosmetic dentistry procedures. The last thing you want to do is put this investment at risk. These covers can irritate your already sensitive teeth and make a bad situation even worse.

Fake blood

No gory costume is complete without a healthy dose of fake blood. While many costume aficionados are content with a bloody outfit, the truly daring can't help but put fake blood on their hair, skin, and teeth, as well.

Unfortunately, many fake types of blood are not good for your teeth. They won't cause them to fall out, of course, but they might encourage staining that can last for a few days. Luckily, it's only temporary. However, it might be worth it to discuss your options with a family-friendly dental care professional if you need it for your costume. In some cases, fake blood can also irritate the teeth and gums of people suffering from periodontal diseases. Try bringing in your "blood" of choice to have your dentist look it over. They should be able to tell you if the blood is safe or whether it will lead to lasting effects.

Tooth black-outs

For sports costumes and zombies, you might be thinking about black-out options for your teeth. Of course, creating the illusion that you're missing a tooth is far better than actually missing a tooth for the sake of a costume. However, not all black-out tooth options are good for your teeth.

Typically, black-out options rely on a waxy substance that can be peeled off at the end of the night. After a good brushing, you should suffer no serious side effects from the adhesive. However, this option should never be used on veneers. These options are designed to go on teeth, not porcelain look-alikes. It's not uncommon for veneer-wearers to have a hard time getting the waxy substance off of their implant. Be sure to talk to an expert at your local dental care clinic about the best veneer-safe Halloween costumes.

Whiter teeth

For ghosts, ghouls, and other pale costumes, investing in whiter teeth is a cosmetic procedure that we can all get on-board with. Not only does whitening your teeth make your costume look more complete, but it can also bolster your confidence after the holiday.

Unfortunately, countless people will invest in harsh over-the-counter whitening options that can cause more harm than good. If you're trying to whiten your teeth before Halloween arrives, it's best to trust in a dental care professional. After all, a cosmetic dentist will be able to give you better, longer-lasting results than store-bought options. This is because they have access to better tools and can ensure your safety throughout the procedure. Whether you're trying to add a flourish to your costume or simply improve your smile before all those photo opportunities, investing in teeth whitening is a form of family-friendly dental care we can all appreciate.

Costume accessories

No teacher costume is complete without a pencil. No flapper outfit is complete without a long cigarette. No Gandalf costume is complete without a long, wooden pipe. While all these items are essential in topping off your final look, chewing on hard accessories is never advised.

Remember: your teeth are not tools. Chewing on a pipe all night or gripping a pencil between your jaws will cause more harm than good. If you're accidentally startled while you have one of these items in your mouth, it could lead to some serious damage. Many people might even lose a tooth or two if they fall with one of these items in their mouths. It's best to keep these items out of your mouth until a photo opportunity arises. Then, place the object near your mouth instead of biting down on it to prevent further damage.

Skateboards and more

Halloween is a great opportunity to experiment with your look and hobbies, but you should never try out a new activity without plenty of practice. Even if you want to dress up like a California skateboarder, using this item for the first time on Halloween can result in potentially serious accidents. Many teeth are lost because of blunt-force trauma, like a fall or stumble. If you're trying to skateboard or roller skate like a waiter from the '50s, you better know how to use this tool. In many cases, it's better to print out a cardboard cut-out of a skateboard than actually skating around. With safety at the forefront, you can rest assured that you will stay safe on Halloween.

Halloween is one of the best times of the year, but costumes might make your smile a little frightening. Before you damage your teeth with a fun costume idea, be sure to consult your family-friendly dental care professional for advice. Happy Halloween!