Our last blog looked at how we treat cavities with our lifelike and long-lasting composite resin dental fillings. But what can you do to avoid them altogether? With Halloween around the corner, many of us will be consuming a little more candy than usual. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist looks at what you can do to keep your smile safe and enjoy a reduced risk of developing cavities.
Candy and the Onset of Tooth Decay
When you eat a lot of candy, or enjoy other sugar-rich foods and drinks, this could leave particles on or between your teeth. This is especially likely if the items contain ingredients like caramel or taffy, which clings with the teeth. Unless we maintain good oral hygiene, then bacteria will break down these particles on or between the teeth, in the process elevating oral acidity and coating the teeth in a layer of plaque buildup. Plaque cannot be removed with brushing and flossing, and can weaken and erode your outer enamel, leading to cavities, toothaches, and a higher risk of infection.
Better Homecare
First, let’s look at what we can do to help safeguard the smile. Make sure everyone in your household is brushing their teeth for two minutes, and using a fluoride toothpaste. You should clean your teeth when you wake up and again before going to bed. You should also floss before bed, as this reaches and removes what could be out of reach of a toothbrush’s bristles. Try to help lower your risk, limit how many treats you consume to one or two pieces before bed. Wash it down with water, too. If you have kids, they may be willing to exchange excess candy for a toy or small prize.
Candy Alternatives
If your neighborhood is handing out treats, or if you want to provide a small-scale, safe trick or treating adventure for your kids, then consider handing out candy-free options. You could pass out trail mix, nuts, crayons, stickers, or temporary tattoos. Halloween themed temporary tattoos could be fun too!
Checkups and Cleanings
Following your Halloween holiday, consider scheduling a checkup and cleaning. We can examine the smile for warning signs of a cavity, offering treatment before you experience discomfort. You also undergo a cleaning, which removes all plaque and tartar from your smile to protect your teeth from cavities. If you have any questions about protecting smiles from tooth decay, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Staying Free of Cavities?
Don’t let your holiday fun put your smile at risk for painful cavities and dental infections. To learn more about keeping smiles strong and healthy, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
