Halloween is a fun time of year, but the sudden influx of sugary treats could leave smiles both young and old with a higher risk for tooth decay. But we want you to enjoy your spooky fun without risking your oral health. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about avoiding tooth decay during the spooky season.
The Link Between Sugary Treats and Tooth Decay
How does sugar from your favorite Halloween treats and seasonal drinks impact your smile? When your foods and drinks leave behind particles of sugar on and between the teeth, harmful oral bacteria will consume them. In the process of breaking them down, this creates a sticky layer of plaque that coats the teeth. Over time, this hardens into the more stubborn tartar. The buildup cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone, and can weaken the protective layer of outer enamel. As bacteria then reach the inner dentin, cavities form. Tooth decay could cause pain in your smile and even increase the risk of dental infection!
Tips for a Cavity-Free Halloween
To help safeguard you and your family’s smiles, be sure everyone limits the amount of candy they eat each day. Enjoy only one or two pieces just after dinner, when elevated saliva production can help cleanse your mouth. A glass of water also helps rinse away the sugars. You can also give your kids the chance to trade their candy to you for a chance to do a fun activity or get a toy. If you are handing out treats, consider sugar-free options, like plastic skeletons, spider rings, stickers, and temporary tattoos, which can be bought in bulk. Make sure everyone is also brushing and flossing their teeth each day without exception!
Checkups and Cleanings
You should also see our team for a checkup and cleaning. We will examine your smile and if we find signs of a cavity, we can provide treatment to bring relief, usually placing a filling. Our team can also help kids with fluoride treatments, which we apply during these visits to strengthen the outer enamel and lower the risk of cavities. We can also help kids with dental sealants, a special acrylic coating that covers the rear teeth, the molars that are hard for kids to reach when they brush and floss. The sealants can stay in place for up to ten years and protect smiles from tooth decay in the more vulnerable portions of their smiles.
Schedule Your Appointment for Your Next Visit
Our team wants to help you enjoy your Halloween fun without leaving your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay. To schedule your next appointment with our team, contact Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS in Astoria, NY by calling 718-728-8320 today.
