When Halloween arrives, this is a chance to go to parties, watch scary movies, and dress up in costumes. This is also a time when people of all ages enjoy lots of sugary sweets. Which means an increased risk of tooth decay! In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist talks about avoiding cavities during the spooky season.

Cavities and Your Halloween Candy

When you buy your favorite Halloween candies, or your kids bring home their trick or treating haul, this could mean an increased consumption of sugary sweets. The particles of sugar will cling to the teeth and become trapped between them. Over time, bacteria will break them down, a process that increases oral acidity and coats the teeth in layers of plaque and tartar. The buildup then weakens and erodes enamel, leaving the sensitive inner tissue exposed to bacteria and causing tooth decay. Which means your teeth could begin to feel sensitive when you eat, or an ache could form. Ignoring this pain could mean an increased risk of tooth infection! But you can take action to protect your smile.

Taking a Preventive Approach

First, make sure you and your family always brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. You also need to floss every evening as well. These actions help remove sugar particles before bacteria can break them down. You can also limit your consumption of treats to a piece or two after a meal, so the increased saliva production helps remove sugars. Following it with a glass of water helps too! Some parents even offer their kids a chance to trade their treats in for money or a small toy too. You should be particularly wary of candies with caramel and taffy, as these cling to the teeth! If you’re handing out treats this year, consider offering non candy options like temporary tattoos, stickers, crayons, or party favors like plastic bats and skeletons or spider rings.

Checkups and Cleanings

You should also see us for a checkup and cleaning, so we can discover any areas that need treatment, and so we can also remove all plaque and tartar to keep teeth safe. A visit now means you can undergo care before the hectic holiday season is here, and you can use your 2022 dental insurance benefits before they expire at the end of December. If you have any questions or if you want to set up a visit, then contact our team today.

TALK TO YOUR HOUSTON, TX DENTIST ABOUT PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE

We would like to help you and your entire family enjoy Halloween and avoid cavities. If you have questions or need to set up an appointment, contact your Houston, TX, dentist, Dr. Chan, by calling 713-926-8896.