Halloween is now just a few weeks away, but that doesn’t mean kids are not planning their costumes and trick or treat adventure. Which means now is a great time to start thinking about cavities and how to prevent them. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about steps to help lower the risk of cavities in little smiles with a holistic approach.
How Sugar Leads to Cavities
When harmful oral bacteria consume particles of sugar, this elevates the level of oral acidity in our mouths, and can also coat the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque. The buildup then weakens outer enamel to expose the sensitive inner structure to bacteria, causing tooth decay. When kids eat too much sugar, such as bringing Halloween candy, this can increase the risk of plaque and cavities. Which is why we want to offer a few tips to safeguard the teeth. For example, limit how much candy kids can eat each day. You can also make sure they eat their candy after dinner and with a glass of water, so the combination of increased saliva production and water can help rinse the smile. You could also offer them to chance to trade their candy to you for a small out of money or a toy. You can also help if you are the one handing out treats this year, just by offering Halloween party favors, stickers, or temporary tattoos instead of sweets.
Better Homecare Habits
Caring for smiles at home is a great way to fight cavity risk following Halloween. Make sure your little ones are brushing their teeth for at least two minutes in the morning and evening. They should use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the enamel. Before they brush for the second time each day, make sure they also floss to remove what the toothbrush’s bristles alone cannot.
Preventing and Treating Tooth Decay
Our team can help prevent cavities with the application of fluoride to the teeth during their checkup visit. This helps strengthen even the weakened portions of enamel to fight cavities. We could also apply dental sealants, a special acrylic coating, to the rear teeth that are hard for kids to reach when they brush and floss. The sealants take seconds to apply and can last for up to ten years. If a cavity has formed, we could provide treatment in one visit with a lifelike composite resin dental filling. If you have any questions, contact our team today.
Talk to Your Lake Orion, MI Dentist’s Office About Cavity Prevention
We want to help lower the risks of cavities during Halloween and beyond. To schedule an appointment for safeguarding your teeth call Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248)693-6213!
