Halloween means spooky movies, fun costumes, and of course, plenty of candy. Unfortunately, this could also mean a greater risk of tooth decay due to these sweets. To enjoy Halloween and safeguard smiles, your Kansas City, MO, dentist has a few tips to help prevent tooth decay and allow you to enjoy a fun and healthy Halloween.
How Halloween Candy Leads to Tooth Decay
The sugar content of your favorite treats tends to cling to your teeth, become caught between them, or become stuck in orthodontics. Bactria will then consume these particles, a process that creates higher levels of oral acidity, and also coats the smile in plaque buildup. This buildup could lead to bad breath, stained teeth, and over time, an increased risk of tooth decay and dental infection. Which is why you need to take steps to help safeguard the smiles of your kids and yourself this time of year. Otherwise, painful toothaches could develop as cavities develop.
Tips for Lowering Cavity Risk
First, don’t binge on your treats. You and your family should enjoy a few pieces after dinner, and then drink a glass of water to help rinse them away. You should also be sure to avoid chewy and sticky ones, like taffy and caramel, or hard candies, which could chip a tooth if bitten into, or coat the teeth in sugar as you suck on them. Some families encourage their kids to pick a few favorite pieces, and trade the rest in for a toy or a small amount of money, this lets them trick or treat and enjoy their spoils without putting smiles at such a high risk. For those handing out treats, try to consider smile healthy options like bags of nuts or trail mix, or even sugar-free gum. Party favors like spider rings, plastic skeletons, and rubber bats are also affordable and make fun treats too!
Caring for Teeth Each Day
Limiting the risk of cavities is also possible if everyone brushes in the morning for two minutes and again at night, each time using a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the outer and protective layer of enamel. Everyone needs to floss each evening too, as this reaches what a toothbrush alone cannot. Visits for checkups and cleanings can help too, allowing us to monitor the smile for signs of trouble, and also removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your smile. If you have any questions, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Kansas City, MO Dentist About Preventing Tooth Decay
With a few changes to your daily routines, your family can avoid the onset of tooth decay. To find out more about how to protect the health and stability of smiles, then please contact your Kansas City, MO, dentist, Dr. Murphy, by calling (816) 531-8000.
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