We love Halloween as much as anyone! However, being dental professionals, we also know that with Halloween comes an influx of sugary treats, treats that could lead to the onset of tooth decay in smiles of all ages. To help ensure you enjoy a safe and fun Halloween, and that you don’t put your smile at risk, your Newhall, CA, dentist has a few helpful tips for avoiding tooth decay.
How Do Halloween Treats Lead to Cavities?
What happens to our smiles when we eat more sugar-rich candy than usual? Bacteria love to consume the particles of sugar that remain between your teeth or stuck to the surfaces of them. As they do, they create a sticky byproduct known as plaque, which coats the teeth. Plaque not only leads to bad breath and stained teeth, but begins to erode the enamel so that cavities can form. Unless treated, cavities grow in severity and could lead to infection and worsening toothaches. For some, the risk of tooth loss could grow too!
Preventing Cavities at Home
To start, limit how much candy your children consume per day. Encourage them to eat these pieces just after dinner and to follow them with a glass of water, which helps cleanse the smile. You could also let them choose their favorite pieces, and trade the rest to you for a toy or other prize. Children and adults also need to take good care of their smiles on a daily basis to avoid cavities. Everyone should start their day by brushing for two minutes, and end it the same way. Kids and adults alike need to use a fluoride toothpaste, and we also strongly encourage flossing before bed each night
A Cleaning Visit
You should also see us every six months for a visit! During this appointment, we will examine your smile for signs of decay and offer treatment, such as our lifelike, single visit dental fillings. We also clean the teeth, which removes all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and helps lower the risk of cavities, as well as gingivitis and gum disease. We recommend these for everyone three and up, and scheduling one now is a great way to use your dental insurance benefits and receive treatment before the hectic holiday season starts.
Be Safe On Out There!
When you’re out and about this Halloween, please be safe! Remember to wear your masks, and to maintain a good social distance at all times. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
Don’t let your treats lead to painful toothaches and tooth decay. To learn more about preventive dentistry, then please schedule a consultation by calling Newhall Dental Arts in Newhall, CA, today at (661) 259-7760.