Don’t Fear Cavities This Halloween
Halloween is a spooky time of year, especially for your teeth! Too much sugar from your family’s trick or treating adventure could mean painful cavities over time. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist wants to offer a few tips to protect your smile and improve oral health, so you don’t have to fear cavities this year!
How Candy Causes Tooth Decay
Harmful bacteria love sugar as much as you. Which is why they break down the particles of it left behind in your smile from the sweets you consume. As they break down these particles, the levels of oral acidity rise and the teeth become coated in layers of harmful plaque buildup. Plaque could weaken and erode outer enamel, so in addition to bad breath and teeth stains, these layers could cause cavities. You and your kids then experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches, and an increased risk of dental infection. However, we have a few tips to help you enjoy your Halloween haul without putting your smile at such a risk!
Protecting Your Teeth and Gums
First, you and your children should limit how much of your haul you eat each day. Try to limit yourselves to one to two pieces a day, and reserve them for after dinner. Wash them down with a glass of water, which helps rinse the teeth in the process. You could also encourage your kids to select her favorite pieces, and trade the rest to you for a toy or small amount of money. This way everyone gets to trick or treat, enjoy candy, and also lower their risk of cavities in the coming weeks and months.
Improving Your Oral Hygiene Routine
The best way to combat issues like cavities and gingivitis is with good oral hygiene habits from home. Each day, you and your children need to begin the day by brushing for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and end the day the same way. Each evening everyone should also floss as well, as this reaches and removes what a toothbrush alone won’t be able to. A checkup and cleaning visit is also crucial, so we can remove all plaque and keep a close eye on the smile. If you haven’t scheduled your last visit of 2021, now is a great time to do so, before the holiday season kicks in and makes everything more hectic!
Do You Have Questions About Fighting Tooth Decay?
With the right care and a better diet, your family can lower your risk of tooth decay. If you would like to learn more about keeping your smile free of tooth decay, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.