October has arrived and before you know it, Halloween will be here. While we love this holiday too, we also know that too much sugar could be linked to tooth decay. We want to ensure your kids enjoy their hauls, but lower their risks of cavities too. In today’s blog, your Shrewsbury, MA, dentist talks about avoiding Halloween-related cavities with pediatric dentistry.
How Halloween Candy Causes Tooth Decay
What makes too much sugar a danger for little smiles? When sugar is left behind, stuck between teeth or on them, then harmful oral bacteria can consume these particles. When this occurs, this raises the level of oral acidity in the smile and coats the teeth in plaque. The sticky layer of buildup will harden with time into tartar, and can increase the risk of enamel erosion and the onset of tooth decay. Sticky and chewy candies can more easily cling to the teeth, and pose a higher risk than milk chocolate.
To help lower the risk of cavities, consider letting kids choose their favorite pieces and trade the rest to you for a small amount of money or a fun toy. You could also limit how much they can eat each day. Better yet, limit it to two or three pieces and let your kids eat them just after dinner, then elevate saliva production can help cleanse the mouth. Water also helps rinse the mouth! If you happen to be passing out treats this year, then instead of candy consider Halloween party favors like stickers, spider rings, plastic skeletons or bats, or temporary tattoos.
Preventing Cavities in Our Office
Our team can take action to help strengthen little smiles against cavities too! With fluoride varnish, we can strengthen the outer enamel with an application each checkup and cleaning visit. In the same visit, we watch for weakened enamel and also clean the teeth to remove all harmful plaque and tartar buildup. With dental sealants, we can also place a special coating on the rear teeth to prevent cavities from forming in the areas kids have difficulties reaching when they brush and floss. These can often stay in place for up to ten years!
Fighting Tooth Decay at Home
At home, make sure your kids brush in the morning and then again at night for at least two minutes, and that they use a fluoride toothpaste when they do. Also, be sure they floss every evening before going to bed as well!
Schedule a Pediatric Visit with Our Shrewsbury Team!
We want to help kids of all ages, and adults too, enjoy strong smiles free of tooth decay! To learn more about pediatric dentistry, or to schedule your next appointment, give us a call at Modern Dentistry Of Shrewsbury at (508)842-8838 today!
