Halloween is just a few days away! Which means you and your family are likely getting ready for parties or even trick or treating. We want you to enjoy your spooky weekend, but your Garland, TX, dentist also wants to make sure you know about tooth decay. With the right steps, you can reduce your risk of cavities and enjoy your Halloween festivities.
The Link Between Candy and Cavities
When you eat a lot of candy, this could leave behind particles of sugar stuck between teeth or clinging to the surfaces. This is also more likely if these candies are sticky or chewy. When harmful bacteria find these particles and consume them, this elevates oral acidity and begins to coat the teeth in layers of plaque buildup. This layer could weaken and eventually erode outer enamel, making the onset of cavities more likely. With tooth decay comes toothaches and sensitive teeth too! The same buildup is also connected to teeth stains, bad breath, and even the onset of gingivitis and gum disease.
A Smile-Safe Halloween
To help protect smiles this Halloween, take steps to keep them healthy. For example, limit how much candy your kids eat, reserving a piece or two for just after dinner and washing them down with a glass of water to help remove sugar particles. You could also let them trade excess candy to you for a toy or small prize! Try to encourage them to avoid hard candies or chewy ones, as these take longer to consume and coat the teeth in sugar. If you’re going to be the ones handing out treats to kids, then consider choosing options that are healthier for smiles. For example, party favors like stickers, bubbles, plastic spider rings, or toy skeletons or bats. You could also pass out sealed packages of nuts, trail mix, or sugar-free gum.
Better Dental Hygiene
Taking better care of your smile is also a great way for kids and adults alike to reduce their cavity risk. This means brushing teeth in the morning and at night for at least two minutes, and using a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the outer enamel. You should also find time to see us for a checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. Doing so now lets you use your benefits before they expire, and lets you receive care before the hectic holiday season starts. If you have any questions, then give us a call today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT GENERAL DENTISTRY?
If you want to better understand how to avoid issues like cavities, then please schedule a consultation today by contacting Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX at (972)-530-0552. You can also find our practice at 6850 N Shiloh Rd, Suite C Garland, TX 75044.
