Halloween is around the corner and while we love this holiday as much as anyone, we also know that too many sweets can cause cavities in smiles of all ages. Which is why we want to help your family avoid the onset of tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how we lower the risk of cavities after Halloween and throughout the upcoming holiday season!
The Link Between Sugar and Tooth Decay
When you eat a lot of sugar, this leaves particles of it trapped on or between the teeth. This is especially true if the candy is sticky, containing gummy or caramel ingredients. When harmful oral bacteria consume these particles, this elevates the levels of oral acidity in your mouth and coats the teeth in plaque buildup. These factors increase the risk of tooth decay by weakening and eroding the outer enamel. To help your family enjoy your trick or treating adventure and keep smiles safe, we suggest limiting yourselves to one or two pieces a day. Try to eat them just after dinner, so the increased saliva production can help rinse away the sugar particles. Enjoying a glass of water with them is helpful too! If you are handing out treats in your building or neighborhood, consider offering sugar-free options like Halloween-themed party favors, including stickers, temporary tattoos, or spider rings.
Children’s Dentistry
Our team can also help by improving overall oral health. With a checkup visit, we will watch for signs of weakened enamel and if we discover cavities, we can place fillings to stop discomfort and protect the tooth. In the same visit, we can conduct a cleaning to remove all plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. This helps lower the risks of cavities, as well as gingivitis, bad breath, and teeth stains. We could also discuss preventive treatments to help lower the risk of tooth decay, such as fluoride varnish to strengthen the smile, or dental sealants to coat the rear teeth and prevent sugar from being trapped there. With sealants, we can provide a layer of protection that could last as long as ten years!
Improving Care at Home
We also want to make sure you and your kids know how to care for your smiles at home. Everyone needs to brush twice a day for two minutes, using a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. Flossing before going to bed is essential too. If you have any questions, then contact our team today to learn more.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO LOWER THE RISK OF CAVITIES
We want to help your family enjoy better oral health and avoid the onset of cavities! You can schedule an appointment by calling our office in Astoria, NY at 718-728-8320.
