When Halloween arrives, kids and adults alike will be susceptible to tooth decay. We want everyone to enjoy their trick or treating fun without leaving teeth vulnerable to cavities. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist talks about avoiding cavities following your Halloween fun.
Halloween and Tooth Decay
When kids (and adults) eat too much Halloween candy, especially the ones with taffy and caramel. This allows sugar particles to cling to the teeth or become trapped in between them. Once stuck, they remain there for bacteria to break down and consume, which creates a plaque buildup that weakens and erodes the protective layer of enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to tooth decay and without treatment, an infection. Which is why action is necessary to protect smiles of all ages from cavities this time of year!
Preventing Cavities
First, try to limit how many pieces of candy you consume each day, and try to avoid the particularly sticky and chewy ones. Save them for right after a meal, so your body’s increased saliva production will help remove the particles. Drinking a glass of water with them helps as well! You could offer your children the chance to trade their candy to you for a small amount of money or a toy. Good oral hygiene is helpful too, so make sure everyone is brushing their teeth in the morning and again at night for at least two minutes, and also flossing every evening too. These actions help limit the risk of tooth decay from developing! If you’re handing out candy, you can help little smiles by offering candy free options, such as stickers, temporary tattoos, spider rings, and party favors like plastic skeletons or bats.
See Our Team
Now is a great time to make an appointment for you and your children, so we can examine the smile and see if any areas need treatment before the hectic holiday season complicates your schedule. In addition, we can clean the teeth to remove all plaque and tartar, and discuss fluoride treatments to strengthen the outer enamel. You also have a chance to use your remaining 2022 dental insurance benefits and health savings account funds before they expire at the end of the year. You earned them, so don’t let them simply vanish without being put to good use!
If you have any questions about treating your smile and avoiding cavities, then contact our team today to schedule a checkup and safeguard your smile!
Talk to Your Woodland Hills, CA Dentist About Preventing Cavities
Our team wants to help your family stay free of cavities and infections! If you would like to learn more about avoiding tooth decay, then contact your Woodland Hills, CA dentist, Dr. Naminik, by calling 818-347-5124.