Don’t Let Halloween Fun Lead To Cavities

Do you have any big plans for Halloween? This is such a fun time of year, but too much sugar could be a recipe for the onset of cavities. We want kids and adults alike to enjoy their Halloween fun, but also avoid these painful complications. In today’s blog, your Pella, IA, dentist talks about how to enjoy Halloween but stay cavity-free!

Halloween and Tooth Decay

When we consume lots of candy, this could allow sugar particles to cling to them or become lodged between them, especially if consuming candies with ingredients like caramel, gummy, and taffy. Oral bacteria will then break down the particles of sugar, a process that causes a rise in oral acidity and then coats the teeth in a bacterial byproduct known as plaque. The buildup will weaken the outer enamel and expose the inner tissues to harmful oral bacteria, causing the onset of tooth decay. With time, the decay grows and spreads until the tooth feels sensitive and aches, which could mean an infection is right around the corner! But you and your family can take steps to avoid these complications.

Taking Care of Smiles at Home

First, try to avoid sticky candies if possible. Limit yourselves to only a few pieces daily and reserve them for right after dinner. The increased saliva production will help remove the sugars, and drinking a glass of water also helps cleanse your smile too. Some parents offer kids a chance to trade their excess candy for a small amount of money or a toy, so they can trick or treat without putting smiles at risk. If your house is going to hand out treats, you could opt for candy-free options that are still fun, like stickers, temporary tattoos, crayons, or Halloween-themed party favors like plastic skeletons and spider rings, or rubber bats. Be sure everyone is taking time to brush their teeth in the morning and at night for about two minutes each session. A fluoride toothpaste is essential, as this helps strengthen outer enamel. You also need to floss every evening to remove what a toothbrush cannot reach!

Your Family’s Next Checkup

Scheduling a checkup and cleaning now is a good way to protect the smile as well. We can treat any cavities we discover with a filling, and also clean the teeth before the hectic holiday season complicates your schedule. You can also use your 2022 dental insurance benefits before they expire at the end of the year.

Talk to Our Team Today!

Our team is ready to help you and your family avoid the onset of tooth decay. Contact Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA by calling 641-628-1121 to learn more about safeguarding your oral health.