Don’t Let Tooth Decay Ruin Your Halloween

We love Halloween and hope you and your family have a spooky good time. However, this doesn’t mean your Dallas, TX, dentist wants your family to develop cavities as a result of all those sugary sweets. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at different ways you can help protect your children from cavities and infection!

Cavities and Halloween

How does Halloween fun translate into a mouth filled with cavities? The issue is one caused by sugar. When kids and adults consume too many sweets high in sugar, especially if these items are chewy, this leaves behind particles trapped between the teeth or on them. Over time, bacteria will break down and consume these particles, and in the process coat the teeth in layers of plaque buildup. Plaque is a bacterial byproduct, one that could weaken the protective layer of tooth enamel and expose the sensitive inner structure, allowing a cavity to form. As the decay grows more severe, children will experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches, and eventually the risk of a painful infection or even premature tooth loss!

Keeping Smiles Healthy

In order to keep smiles healthy, you need to make sure your kids start their day by brushing for two minutes and do the same before bed. Children also need to floss thoroughly in between their teeth before going to sleep. Brushing and flossing removes food particles, and a routine visit for a checkup and cleaning means we can remove the buildup completely and help protect the smile from cavities. When your little ones bring in their Halloween haul, try to help them limit how much they consume each day, and maybe even give them to chance to exchange their candy for a fun toy or video game. You can take steps to protect your child’s smile without taking the fun out of Halloween!

Handing Out Alternatives to Sweets

You can also protect other smiles in the neighborhood by handing out alternatives to candy. For example, instead of offering sweets, why not pick up temporary tattoos, stickers, or Halloween party favors? These cost as much, if not less in some cases, than many name-brand bags of candy. This also means your treats are fun for children with food allergies that otherwise prevent them from enjoying most sweets. If you have any questions or concerns about protecting smiles this Halloween, or if you would like to schedule a checkup and cleaning for you and your family, then please contact our team today!

Schedule a Visit Today!

We want to help you and your kids enjoy healthy smiles free of cavities and other oral health concerns. For more information on our preventive treatment options, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).