We’re now officially in the spooky season, which means kids and adults alike will be inundated with candy, and this will continue throughout the holidays too! Which is why we have a few suggestions for protecting smiles from tooth decay. In today’s blog, Dr. Robert M. Browne talks about enjoying a cavity-free Halloween.
How Halloween Leads to Cavities
We want you and your family to enjoy Halloween and stay cavity-free afterward if possible. So, we have a few tips for helping. When we consume treats with a lot of sugar, this leaves behind particles for bacteria to consume. When this happens, the levels of oral acidity can rise, which weakens enamel. The teeth are also coated in plaque buildup, which weakens and erodes the outer enamel further, leading to tooth decay. Your cavity will then grow and spread without treatment, which could lead to infection and even threaten smile stability. But we have a few tips to ensure your kids (and yourself) can enjoy Halloween cavity-free!
Tips for Protecting Your Teeth
First, try to limit how many sugary sweets you enjoy in a day. Reserve this to a piece or two after a meal, so the increased saliva production helps rinse away the sugar particles. Parents could even let kids trade candy for a toy, money, or a small outing. Try to encourage them to avoid sticky candies with caramel or gummy ingredients, which cling to the teeth more than chocolate. If you are handing out treats, then consider offering sugar-free options, like stickers, temporary tattoos, or even Halloween-themed party favors! Finally, make sure you brush and floss daily, now and throughout the year. These actions can protect smiles during the spooky season and the upcoming holidays too.
See Us for an Exam Too!
Consider a checkup and cleaning now! With a routine visit, we can examine the teeth and watch for signs of trouble, addressing now before your schedule gets too hectic during the winter holidays. We can also clean the teeth to remove the plaque and tartar that could threaten enamel and cause cavities, as well as gingivitis and gum disease. If you have any questions about how we protect smiles so your family can enjoy Halloween cavity-free, then contact our team today to learn more and get started.
Dr. Browne, DDS, Offers a Cavity-Free Holiday
Our team wants to help protect smiles of all ages from the onset of tooth decay, now and throughout the holiday season too. You should be able to smile with confidence, and enjoy healthy teeth and gums for years to come! To find out more about our approach to family dental care, or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Robert M. Browne, D.D.S. in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585.
