Pumpkins with Halloween decorations - overhead view flat lay
Halloween is just around the corner, and we want you and your family to enjoy your trick or treating adventures without leaving your smiles vulnerable to tooth decay. Which is why we want to offer a few tips for protecting smiles, and also discuss our preventive treatments. In today’s blog, your Maple Grove, MN, dentist talks about avoiding Halloween cavities!
What makes sugar so dangerous for your smile? When we consume foods and drinks with a lot of sugar, especially sugary candies that cling to teeth, such as caramel or toffee, then bacteria can break down the particles. This process not only elevates oral acidity, but this creates plaque buildup that clings to the teeth. The plaque then hardens into tartar and weakens the outer enamel, causing erosion that allows tooth decay to develop. The same layers also create teeth stains and bad breath. But we have a few tips for enjoying your Halloween fun without leaving your smiles at risk for cavities in the weeks and months to come!
First, make sure you continue to practice good oral hygiene habits. Everyone in your house should start and end their day by brushing for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Everyone needs to floss too each evening, as this removes what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. Try to also limit how many of your Halloween treats you eat each day. Limit yourself to one or two pieces and reserve them for just after dinner, when the elevated saliva production can help rinse away the sugar particles. Following them with a glass of water is helpful for the same reason.
As parents, you could offer your kids the chance to trade in their candy for a fun toy, money, or even a fun family activity, so they get to trick or treat without overindulging in sweets. If you are the house handing out candy, then consider sugar-free options or even Halloween-themed party favors.
We can also help with preventive treatment. With a routine dental cleaning we can remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth to help prevent cavities, as well as gingivitis and gum disease. For kids, we could discuss preventive treatments like fluoride and dental sealants to help lower the risk of tooth decay for months to come. If you have any questions about enjoying spooky season without leaving smiles at risk for decay, then contact our team today to learn more!
Our team wants to help reduce the chances of tooth decay forming in your child’s teeth. To find out more about limiting your family’s cavity risk, call Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, today at 763-416-0606.
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