Halloween is next week, and we want you and your kids to enjoy your spooky fun. However, this time of year could increase the risk of cavities. Fortunately, we have a few tips to help! In today’s blog, your team at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX, offers tips to help kids avoid Halloween cavities.
Halloween and Tooth Decay
How does your Halloween fun lead to an increased risk of cavities in little smiles? When children consume lots of treats high in sugar, this leaves behind particles on and between the teeth. These particles are then consumed by bacteria, a process that elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque. The buildup then weakens and erodes outer enamel to increase the risk of cavities. Children begin to experience tooth sensitivity when they eat or drink, and could develop toothaches that increase in severity. Without treatment, the risk of an infection or even a prematurely lost tooth increased! But we can offer a few tips to help kids avoid Halloween cavities.
Tips for Protecting Little Smiles
First, make sure that throughout the year your kids have their teeth brushed twice a day, once in the morning and again at night. You can assist your babies and toddlers, and monitor your older kids to make sure they take time to propel brush. They should use a fluoride toothpaste too, and always take time to floss every evening as well.
As parents, you can limit how many treats they eat each day, reserving them for just after meals and with a glass of water. The combination of your body’s increased saliva production and the water help rinse away the trapped particles. You can also let them keep a few favorite pieces and trade the rest to you for a small toy, money, or a family outing, so they get to trick or treat but don’t overindulge in sweets.
If your house is the one handing out treats, then consider options free of sugar, such as stickers, temporary tattoos, or party favors.
A Checkup Visit
Now is also a great time to see our team for a checkup and cleaning, so we can examine smiles and offer care to halt tooth decay in the early stages, such as Curodont or Silver Diamine Fluoride. If we find a cavity, we can offer relief in one visit with a filling. We even have preventive options, such as fluoride and dental sealants.
PDC Kids Wants to Prevent Halloween Tooth Decay
Our team wants to help safeguard little smiles of all ages during the spooky season and the upcoming holiday season. To find out more about avoiding cavities, then call Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX, today at (214) 321-4880.
