The end-of-the-year holidays are always exciting, but each of the celebrations has a hidden cost. Thanksgiving travel costs add up, Christmas means buying gifts, and Halloween takes a toll on your teeth. If you’re a parent, then October is all about managing your child’s sugar intake. You want them to have the best holiday possible, without giving your dentist extra headaches come November. Plus, if we’re being honest, it can be easy for adults to overindulge this time of year too. Fortunately, it only takes a little bit of planning to make sure that your family has a great Halloween without unwanted cavities. Here are three tips to help you do just that.

There’s a saying: “buy nice or buy twice.” You can buy $20 pairs of headphones every month for the rest of your life, or you can buy one $200 set that’ll last for years and sound much better. The same principle applies to dentistry; people who think they’re saving money by avoiding going to the dentist are setting themselves up for needing an expensive procedure down the line. Moreover, if you have dental insurance, the end of the year may be the best time to get your checkup. Here are a few reasons why you should go to the dentist now before problems escalate.