Do you have any big plans for Halloween? We love this time of year, everything from the scary movies to going trick or treating with our families. However, as dental professionals we also know that too much of a good thing could mean the onset of cavities and dental infection. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist looks at what you can do to protect your children from cavities following their trick or treating adventure.
Monitoring Candy Intake
First, try not to let them gorge themselves. We know, easier said than done. But limiting how much they eat each day, and having them reserve their treats for after dinner and following them with a glass of water, helps cleanse the mouth and reduce the amount of time sugar adheres to the teeth before they brush and floss that evening. You can also discuss letting them pick a few favorite pieces and exchanging the rest for a small toy or a minimal amount of money, so they still enjoy the fruits of their labors, without putting their smile at risk!
Preventive Treatment
To help reduce the risk of painful cavities, make sure your little ones are brushing their teeth twice a day for about two minutes, once when waking up and again prior to going to sleep. Flossing is also crucial, as this removes what a toothbrush cannot. Routine visits for checkups allow us to spot potential cavities and treat then, and the cleaning portion of the visit means we remove plaque buildup to prevent enamel erosion. With daily care and twice-yearly visits, we can work together to keep smiles bright and healthy!
Smile Healthy Treats
Will your house be handing out candy to passing trick or treaters this year? If so, consider candy alternatives! For the same price as a bag of candy, or sometimes less, you can pick up Halloween-related party favors, like spider rings and plastic skeletons, and also stickers and temporary tattoos. Kids still enjoy spooky treats, without putting their smiles at risk of developing serious tooth decay. You can also consider handing out sealed packages of crackers, nuts, or trail mix as a healthy alternative. If you have any questions about keeping your child’s smile bright and healthy this Halloween season, then contact our team today. We would love to help families in our community enjoy optimal oral health!
Our Team Offers Children’s Dentistry
We want to help you and your little ones enjoy healthy smiles for many years to come. To find out more about our approach to family dentistry, then schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
