If you want to enjoy trick or treating, or at least stealing your favorite treats from your child’s candy haul, then we want to make sure you do so without developing tooth decay. With a few preventive actions, you can help lower your risk! In today’s blog, your Shrewsbury, MA, dentist talks about fighting the onset of Halloween-related tooth decay.
The Connection Between Sugar and Tooth Decay
For smiles of all ages, sugar can lead to an increased risk of cavities. When you consume foods and drinks with a lot of sugar, this can leave behind particles that harmful oral bacteria will consume. This is especially true if you consume clingy candies like those with caramel or toffee. The process of consuming these sugar particles can lead to plaque buildup, a sticky layer that coats the teeth and weakens outer enamel to cause tooth decay. You can then experience toothaches and sensitivity, and risk the onset of infection without treatment. But we want to help safeguard your smiles during spooky season and beyond!
Helping Smiles Stay Strong (and Cavity Free)
Be sure that every member of your family is starting the day and ending it by brushing their teeth for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Everyone also needs to floss each evening before they brush that second time, to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot. These actions help remove sugar particles before they can feed harmful bacteria.
You can also enjoy your treats in moderation, limiting yourself to a piece or two just after dinner and with a glass of water. The combination of the increased saliva production from your meal and the water helps rinse away sugar particles. Also, you can give your kids a chance to pick out their favorite pieces and trade their excess to you for money, a toy, or a fun activity. If you are the one giving our treats in your neighborhood, then consider offering sugar-free options or even Halloween-themed party favors!
Preventive Treatment
Our team can also help safeguard smiles with preventive dentistry. For example, a simple visit for a cleaning can remove all plaque and tartar to keep outer enamel strong and free of cavities. For kids, we can also help with fluoride treatments and dental sealants, which can help lower the risk of cavities for a long time to come! If you have any questions about avoiding cavities after Halloween, then reach out to our team!
Learn More About Preventive Dental Care
We want to help lower the risk of tooth decay for little smiles (and grown-ups one too). To schedule a visit and protect smiles from tooth decay, call Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury in Shrewsbury, MA at (508) 842-8838 today.
