We love Halloween as much as anyone else. Who doesn’t love a chance to binge scary movies and take your kids trick or treating? However, there is a real dark side to this holiday and that is tooth decay. Too much sugar means smiles of all ages are susceptible to cavities. In today’s blog, your Omaha, NE, dentist will talk about what you can do to protect your family’s smiles!
Trick or Treating and Tooth Decay
Candy is delicious and makes a wonderful treat, but too much of it, especially chewy and sticky candy, means sugary particles left behind on the smile. Bacteria will break down these remaining particles, a process that causes a rise in oral acidity and also coats the teeth in plaque. A bacterial buildup, plaque is a sticky layer that could eventually weaken outer enamel and allow a cavity to form once bacteria reaches the more sensitive and porous inner layer of dentin. We can spot decay in the early stages during routine checkups and cleanings, otherwise you may not know you have one until your teeth begin to ache or feel sensitive. Never ignore pain in your smile, let us know if you or your children suffer from aching teeth!
How Do I Prevent Cavities?
To prevent cavities, limit how many sweets you and your kids eat each day, and be sure to follow them with a glass of water. You can offer to “buy” your children’s excess candy by letting them exchange it for money or a small toy. At home, be sure your children are brushing their teeth for two minutes, using fluoridated toothpaste for those three and older. They should do the same before bed, and also floss thoroughly in between each of their teeth to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot. Finally, be sure you and your family continue to see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, so we can monitor your smile and remove plaque buildup completely!
Offering Smile-Healthy Alternatives!
Will you be giving out candy this year? If so, then consider offering candy alternatives! For example, you could hand out temporary tattoos, stickers, or spooky party favors, which all cost as much or less than a bag of name-brand candy. Others may give out sealed packages of nuts or trail mix. You can still make the holiday fun while keeping oral health in mind!
Do You Have Questions About Cavities?
We would love to help you and your children keep your smiles free of tooth decay. To learn more about preventive and general dental care, schedule a consultation by calling Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today at (402) 330-2243. We also serve the residents of Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, Millard, and all surrounding communities.
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