Oral health and overall health are closely connected. As the mouth is teaming with bacteria, mostly harmless, poor oral hygiene and low body defences can cause excessive amounts of oral bacteria and make any dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath more severe. These conditions can cause pain, infections, and even tooth loss.

Additionally, oral health problems can also be indicative of other health issues such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, digestive problems, and certain types of cancer.

Research has also shown that oral health problems can contribute to systemic health issues, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pneumonia. This is thought to be due to the bacteria and inflammation present in the mouth that can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.

Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups / dental examinations is important not only for maintaining oral health, but also overall health.

You want your trick or treat fun on Halloween night, not after the party is over. The last thing you want after a night of fun, dressing up and surgery treats are your teeth playing tricks on you.

Splurging as a one off for Halloween is fine as long as you are a regular tooth brusher and flosser. If, however, you are not, then be prepared for the tricks your teeth can play on you.

Those surgery treats will be all the bacteria in your mouth want for a little thrill. The natural bacteria in your mouth go into overdrive when there is leftover food and drink. Over time and unless you maintain good oral hygiene, that bacteria create mayhem for your teeth. That is when tooth decay happens as the bacteria creates a sticky layer of plaque. It is this plaque that damages the surface of your teeth.

If you are going to indulge then you might want to eat chocolate as chocolate is easier to wash off your teeth. Sticky candy, hard candy, or sour candy, those other popular treats for Halloween stick around in the mouth longer and gives that cavity-causing bacteria more time to work.

Remember, good oral hygiene is always in fashion and not just for Halloween!