Next week is Halloween! While we love watching scary movies and dressing up in costumes, we also know this time of year could lead to increased cavity risk! Even if your community isn’t trick or treating, you’re likely to still be consuming more candy than usual. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist will explain how to help prevent tooth decay.
The Link Between Your Candy and Dental Cavities
When you consume candy, you expose your teeth to high amounts of sugar. When trapped between the teeth or clinging to the surface of them, these particles are broken down by harmful oral bacteria. In the process, the levels of oral acidity in your mouth rise, and the teeth become coated in a sticky layer of plaque buildup. Unless removed, the buildup could begin to cause demineralization, eroding enamel and allowing cavities to form. As the cavity grows and spreads throughout the tooth, tooth sensitivity and aches could occur. You may experience an increased risk of infection or tooth loss over time!
Preventive Actions
To help safeguard your smile, make sure you brush your teeth when you wake up and then again before bed. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride, and you should also floss before bed each night. This goes for every member of your family, including children. Try to limit how much candy you eat to a couple pieces after dinner, and wash them down with water. You could even encourage your kids to exchange their candy to you for a toy or other fun prize. If you’ll be the one handing out candy, consider handing out Halloween theme party favors, stickers, temporary tattoos, and other smile-friendly options. Be sure you wear your mask and maintain a good social distance too!
Treating Cavities
We also suggest a visit for a checkup. If we discover the early signs of decay during your exam, we can offer a filling to provide lifelike treatment in one visit. For kids, we can discuss fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help protect their teeth. We also clean the teeth to remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the smile. If you have any questions about treating cavities, or about taking steps to avoid them altogether, then contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy your Halloween fun without putting your smile at risk!
Do You Have Questions About Avoiding Cavities?
Our team is ready to help you maintain a strong and healthy smile that stays free of cavities. For more information on preventing tooth decay, then please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.