During this time of year, we all enjoy dressing up in spooky costumes and watching our favorite scary movies! However, what makes this time extra spooky for your Allen, TX, dentist, is all the candy people consume. Too many sweets are a recipe for cavities, but fortunately we have a few tips to help protect your smile!
How Halloween Candy Causes Cavities
What makes Halloween candy such a danger for your teeth? Candy is high in sugar, which is a favorite meal for harmful oral bacteria. As bacteria break down the sugars trapped on or between your teeth, this elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque. The buildup will begin to demineralize and weaken enamel, exposing sensitive inner layers to bacteria and allowing a cavity to form. Unless treated, this cavity could eventually mean a serious infection, or even the loss of your tooth! Always let us know if you experience tooth sensitivity or toothache, as this could be a warning sign.
Tips to Avoid Tooth Decay
To lower your cavity risk, or your child’s, make sure everyone limits how much candy they eat per day. Try to limit them to just after dinner, and wash them down with water to cleanse the smile. Try to avoid caramel, taffy, or gummy options, as these are more difficult to remove than chocolate candies. You and your kids should brush for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste before going to bed. We also suggest flossing in between the teeth before bed, as this reaches what a toothbrush alone cannot. In the morning, everyone needs to brush again!
Be Sure to See Us!
Try to schedule a checkup and cleaning for your family after Halloween! You can see us before the holiday season is in full swing, and make sure you end 2020 with a healthy smile. The checkup involves carefully examining the smile for signs of decay, and then offering treatment to prevent the cavity from causing an infection. We also clean the smile, which involves using an ultrasonic scaling device to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth to protect teeth and gums from tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. If you have any questions about treating tooth decay during Halloween then contact our team today. We want to help you and your kids maintain strong, beautiful smiles for years to come!
Our Allen, TX Dentist Talks About Children’s Dentistry
Your Allen, TX dentist’s office wants to help your kids maintain optimal oral health and brighter smiles with preventive care both at home and in our office every six months. To find out more about keeping little smiles healthy and strong, then please call Allen Family Dental at (469) 342-6644.
