Halloween is a fun time of the year for kids and adults, but too much candy could be a recipe for tooth decay and other issues. Which is why we want your children to enjoy healthy smiles now and after Halloween! In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about staying cavity-free.
Halloween and Tooth Decay
When kids (or anyone) consume too much candy, this leaves behind sugar caught on or between the teeth. When bacteria break down these particles, this elevates oral acidity levels and coats the teeth in plaque buildup, which hardens with time in tartar. The buildup could actually erode the outer enamel to expose the sensitive inner structures, allowing painful cavities and infections to develop. Not to mention bad breath and teeth stains, both common following severe buildup. But you can help protect your kids from tooth sensitivity and toothaches, while still letting them enjoy Halloween.
Smile Healthy Treats
If you’re going to be handing out candy, try to choose options that are low in sugar, like sealed packages of nuts or trail mix. Stickers and party favors like spider rings and plastic skeletons are fun too! When your kids bring home their haul, limit them to only a few pieces daily, revered for after meals and followed with a glass of water to help rinse away sugar particles. You can also offer them the chance to pick their favorite pieces and trade the rest to you for money or a small toy, that way you cut back on sugar and it doesn’t feel like a punishment.
Keeping Smiles Strong
You also need to make sure your kids are caring for their teeth properly each day. Make sure they brush in the morning and again at night for about two minutes, and that they floss every evening too. They should use a toothpaste with fluoride too, as this strengthens the outer enamel. Bring them in for checkups and cleanings soon too, so we can watch for signs of tooth decay and clean the teeth, removing the harmful layers of plaque and tartar completely. We can also offer fluoride treatments and dental sealants!
A visit now is a chance for you to use your 2022 dental insurance benefits or any remaining health savings funds before they expire at the end of December. You can bring them in now and obtain any necessary treatments before the hectic holiday season arrives. If you have any questions about children’s dentistry, or about protecting smiles from cavities, then contact our team today.
See Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist Soon
Our team wants to help treat smiles and safeguard them from cavities. To learn more about protecting little smiles, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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