Don’t Let Halloween Treats Harm Your Smile
October 21, 2020
When we consume treats high in sugar, this could increase the risk of cavities, especially if they’re sticky or chewy. In today’s blog, yourKansas City, MO, dentistexplains how candy could lead to tooth decay, and offers tips to help you and your family enjoy healthier smiles and reduce your risk ofdeveloping painful cavities.
The Link Between Sugar and Cavities
While sweets are delicious, they also leave behind particles of sugar on or between our teeth. Who else enjoys sugar? Harmful oral bacteria! When bacteria break down the bits of sugar in between and on our teeth, this creates a sticky layer of plaque on the teeth. The buildup then causes demineralization and erodes the outer enamel, allowing bacteria to reach the inner dentin and leading to tooth decay. People then experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches, which grow worse as the decay increases in severity. For some, teeth could even become infected!
Healthier Halloween Treats
First, try to avoid consuming chewing items, like candies with a lot caramel, taffy, or gummy ingredients. These are more likely to become stuck between your teeth. Try to also limit your child’s consumption to one or two pieces just after dinner. Drinking water after enjoying treats could also help cleanse the smile. Before bed, be sure you and your little ones brush for two minutes and use atoothpaste that contain fluoride. Everyone also needs to floss, as this helps remove the bits of sugar a toothbrush cannot reach. You can also let your kids trade candy into you for a toy or prize, and if your neighborhood is handing out treats this year, try to offer alternatives like stickers, temporary tattoos, trail mix or nuts, crayons, or Halloween-themed party favors. A plastic skeleton or bat is just as fun, and doesn’t put smiles at risk!
Tips for Reduced Cavity-Risk
You should also considerseeing us for a checkup and cleaning. During your visit, we will make an examination of your teeth for signs of demineralization or other indicators of tooth decay. We then offer treatment to help prevent cavities or keep them from growing worse. We also clean your teeth! A dental cleaning enables our team to remove all plaque and tartar from the smile, which lowers the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and gum disease. If you have any questions about keeping smile safe during the Halloween season, or if you want to schedule your family’s next visit, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your Next Checkup Soon!
Our team is ready to help you enjoy a stronger and healthier smile, even during the candy-rich Halloween celebrations! To learn more about preventive dental care, thenschedule a consultationby calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.