No matter how old you are, Halloween means an increased risk of tooth decay. The risk of cavities will only get worse once the holiday season begins! In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how you can avoid the onset of tooth decay, and the treatments our team can offer to protect your smile.
Candy and Cavities
For kids and adults alike, too much candy means bits of sugar left behind, clinging to your teeth or becoming caught between them. Without removal, bacteria will break them down and consume them, a process linked to bad breath, high levels of oral acidity, and plaque buildup. Plaque can weaken outer enamel and expose the inner dentin to bacteria, which makes cavities possible. Without treatment, cavities grow in severity until your tooth begins to hurt and the risk of a dental infection increases significantly. Which is why you need to be cautious!
Better Homecare
Taking care of your smile at home is a great way to combat tooth decay. Start each day by brushing your teeth for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste, and then do the same right before bed. Each evening you should also floss, as this removes what is beyond the reach of a toothbrush. Try to limit how many sweets you eat too. Reserve your Halloween candy or cookies for after dinner, and wash them down with water to rinse your smile. If you’re giving out treats in your neighborhood or apartment building, then consider handing out smile-healthy options like sealed packages of nuts or trail mix, or party favors like spider rings, plastic skeletons, or fun stickers. This way everyone enjoys their trick or treating fun, without increasing the risk of cavities.
Schedule a Visit
You should also see our team every six months for a checkup and cleaning visit as well. This means we can examine your smile and identify areas of concern, treating them before you experience discomfort or your smile’s stability is threatened. We will also clean the teeth too, removing harmful plaque buildup and polishing them to fight cavities and gum disease. Now is an excellent time to schedule a visit, as you can undergo an exam and any necessary treatments before the hectic holiday season arrives, and you can use your 2022 dental insurance benefits before they expire at the end of December. If you want to set up your next visit, or if you have questions about keeping smiles cavity-free, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
We would like to help prevent or treat cavities in your smile. If you would like to learn more about safeguarding your smile, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
