Now that October is here, Halloween is right around the corner. Which means kids will be inundated with sugary treats, and this could increase the risk of tooth decay. But we want to help! In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, family dentist talks about how you can help your kids avoid cavities during the spooky season! Don’t forget, we will also have our Halloween candy buy-back program happening next month.
The Link Between Cavities and Tooth Decay
When kids consume lots of candy, this leaves behind particles of sugar stuck on or between the teeth. This is especially true if they consume sticky candies containing caramel or gummy ingredients. Harmful oral bacteria then break down these particles, a process that leaves kids with high levels of oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque and tartar. The buildup then weakens enamel to increase the risk of cavities. Children experience pain in their teeth and the risk of infection and even premature tooth loss elevates, which could also increase the risk of dental misalignment. We want your little ones to enjoy their trick or treating fun, but also take steps to protect their smiles.
Protecting Your Child’s Smile
First, make sure your children limit how much candy they consume per day. We suggest a piece or two just after a meal, and fooled with a glass of water to help rinse the mouth. You could also have them pick their favorite pieces and you could buy the rest from them, or let them trade it for a toy or treat. Remember, after Halloween we will host our annual candy buyback program, in which we purchase excess candy for a dollar a pound, so watch our social media pages for dates and times.
Improving Oral Health
You can also make sure they are caring for their smiles properly! Kids of all ages need to brush in the morning first thing and do so again before going to bed. Each session should take two minutes, and kids three and under need a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, and those over three should use a pea-sized blot. Kids also need to floss every evening before bed, as this removes what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. We suggest flossing before they brush the second time. Be sure your children see our team for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months too! Children deserve to enjoy Halloween AND maintain good oral health, and working together we can make this possible!
Your Dallas, TX, Dentist Offers Pediatric Dentistry
Our team wants to help children avoid the onset of cavities due to their Halloween treats! For more information on safeguarding little smiles, then please schedule a consultation by calling the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
