Do you have big plans for Halloween? For many, this involves fun treats and seasonal drinks, but too much of a good thing could lead to tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Mansfield, TX, dentist talks about what you can do to help lower your risk of Halloween-related tooth decay, so you can enjoy the spooky season with toothaches and cavities in your future.
The Link Between Halloween and Tooth Decay
During Halloween and the holidays to come, we seem to be surrounded by sweet treats. But too many sugary foods and drinks will leave behind particles trapped on the surfaces of the teeth or stuck between them. Harmful bacteria in your mouth can then break down and consume these particles, a process that elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque buildup. The combination of the acid and plaque can weaken outer enamel so harmful bacteria reach the sensitive inner structures, which leads to cavities and painful symptoms like toothaches. We want to help you and your kids avoid painful aches and pains, and keep your smiles healthy and strong!
How to Avoid the Onset of Cavities
One way to avoid cavities is by brushing and flossing each day, which removes the stray particles of sugar left behind by your meals and beverages. You should brush in the morning for two minutes and then do so again in the evening, using a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the outer enamel. We also urge you to floss every evening, as this removes what a toothbrush alone cannot reach.
Try to enjoy your Halloween treats in moderation. Limit yourselves to one or two minutes daily, and try to reserve them for just after a meal, so that the elevated saliva production in your smile can help remove sugar particles. A glass of water with your treats helps to do the same. For parents, you could encourage your kids to pick a few favorite pieces and trade the rest to you for a small amount of money, a toy, or a fun activity. They get to trick or treat, without leaving their smiles vulnerable!
Help with Our Preventive Treatments
Preventive dental care can also help smiles of all ages. When we see you for a checkup and cleaning, which we encourage every six months, we can conduct a cleaning that removes all the harmful plaque and tartar from your smile. For kids, we can go further with fluoride treatments and dental sealants, which helps safeguard the smiles against the onset of cavities.
Our Team Offers Family Dentistry
Enjoy your spooky fun, but don’t let your smile be vulnerable to tooth decay. To learn more about our approach to cavity prevention or schedule your appointment, call our Mansfield, TX, dental team today at 817-473-6227.
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