During this time of year, whether you’re staying inside due to the pandemic, or taking part in socially distant activities, you and your family will consume a little more candy than usual. As your Olathe, KS, dentists know, too much candy could mean the onset of tooth decay! Fortunately, with general dentistry we can help keep your smiles strong.
How Do Halloween Treats Cause Cavities?
Our favorite Halloween treats are delicious, but they also contain a lot of sugar. When we consume high amounts of sugar, these leaves particles trapped between our teeth. Bacteria will consume the trapped particles, a process that not only elevates oral acidity, but coats the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque buildup. The buildup leads to bad breath, stained teeth, and could erode enamel to cause cavities to form. Tooth decay then leads to tooth sensitivity and toothaches with time, and could even cause an infection unless treated in a timely manner!
Tips to Reduce Your Cavity Risk
You can take a few steps to protect your smile. For example, we suggest limiting candy consumption to one or two pieces after a meal and for extra protection, drink a glass of water to help cleanse the smile. If you can, try to encourage your children to exchange their candy for a toy or prize. Be wary of items high in caramel, taffy, or that are gummy, as these tend to become stuck between the teeth more easily. To keep everyone’s teeth safe, take time to brush when you wake up and before bed for about two minutes. Be sure to use a fluoridated toothpaste too, as this strengthens outer enamel. Flossing is also vital! When you floss before bed, you remove particles that may be trapped and out of the reach of toothbrush bristles.
Don’t Forget a Checkup and Cleaning!
Make time to see us too! A checkup enables our team to keep a close eye on your and your family’s smiles, watching for the earliest indicators of demineralization to prevent cavities. We can also treat them with a lifelike composite resin filling. During your same visit, we also clean your smile. A cleaning uses an ultrasonic scaling and a manual tool to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth, lowering the risk of issues like cavities and even gum disease. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About General Dental Care?
With the right steps, you and your family can enjoy strong smiles this Halloween! For more information on general dentistry, or to schedule a dental consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.