Based in Northern New Jersey, Dr. Jason Auerbach is known as "the bloody tooth guy" (@bloodytoothguy) on Instagram and believes strongly in the power of patient education in his dental practice. He also believes that, even with that education, emergencies will pop up around Halloween because of the sweets being eaten by patients.
And it's not just sweets. It's also the abundance of sticky caramel and hard candies that can do a number on teeth this time of year.
So what can your dental practice do to prep for Halloween candy-related emergencies? We asked Dr. Auerbach for his thoughts.
DrBicuspid: What are common post-Halloween dental emergencies that you see every year? And how can patients avoid them?
Dr. Jason Auerbach.
Dr. Auerbach: Every year after Halloween, we see a surge in cracked teeth, lost fillings, and gum injuries, all caused by sticky or hard candies. Caramel, taffy, and jawbreakers are some of the biggest culprits, often pulling out crowns or damaging enamel. Toothaches and sensitivity also spike due to overindulgence in sugar, which feeds harmful bacteria and leads to inflammation.
Patients can avoid these mistakes by practicing moderation and smart choices. Enjoy softer treats like chocolate instead of hard or sticky candy, drink plenty of water after snacking, and brush and floss carefully after sugar-heavy days. Scheduling a quick post-Halloween cleaning can also prevent decay from setting in.
Q: What have you learned from these emergencies that you want the dental community to look out for?
A: One of the biggest takeaways is how preventable most of these emergencies are. Many patients simply aren’t aware that even a single night of excessive candy can trigger hidden cracks, expose weak spots, or cause inflammation around previous dental work. Dentists should also watch for patterns of recurring damage among younger patients or those with extensive restorations.
Q: How can dentists prepare for Halloween dental emergencies and educate their patients?
A: Preparation starts before the holiday weekend. Dentists and oral surgeons can:
- Share "Safe Candy" guides or infographics in their offices and on social media.
- Offer Halloween checkup specials or free "candy buyback" events.
- Provide tooth-friendly treat lists and reminders about proper brushing and rinsing habits.
- Train front-desk staff to anticipate and triage post-Halloween emergencies quickly.
Dr. Jason M. Auerbach is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon certified by both the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. He is the founder of Riverside Oral Surgery in New Jersey.
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