Avoiding Cavities After Trick Or Treating!

Trick or treating is fun for parents and kids alike, and many families will bring home an incredible haul of chocolates and candies. While we want families in Gary, IN, to have a great time and enjoy their treats, we also want them to be aware of the risk of tooth decay. We’re going to offer a few tips for protecting smiles both young and old from the onset of cavities!

Sugar and Cavities

What makes sugar such a danger for little smiles? Well, when we consume lots of sugar items, this leaves behind particles trapped on or between the teeth, especially if these candies are sticky or chewy. Bacteria will the begin to break down the particles in a process that raises oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque buildup. Eventually this weakens and erodes the enamel, allowing bacteria to reach the more sensitive inner layers of dentin. A cavity then forms, which will grow worse with time and eventually threaten an infection. Tooth sensitivity and toothaches could develop as a result!

Tips for Healthier Smiles

What can you do to protect your child’s smile? First, be sure your little ones are brushing and flossing daily, brushing for two minutes in the morning and before bed, and flossing in between each tooth before going to sleep. Limit how many sweets they can eat each day, and consider letting them trade their candy in to you for a toy or video game. Make time to see us every few months so we can examine their smiles and clean them, removing plaque and keeping teeth strong and cavity-free! If you’re handing out candy this year, try to offer sugar-free alternatives, such as temporary tattoos, stickers, crayons and pencils, or Halloween party favors, like plastic spider rings or toy skeletons.

Do I Have a Cavity?

If you or your child experiences pain or sensitivity in one or more teeth, then let us know right away! Our team will schedule a consultation and see if you need treatment. If so, we can likely repair your tooth in one sitting with our dental fillings, which use a lifelike and metal-free material! Don’t live with the worsening pain or the risk of infection, talk to our team about a possible solution. If you have any questions about preventing tooth decay, or treating cavities for smiles both young and old, then contact our team today. We’re here to help people in our community enjoy optimal oral health!

Keep Your Smile Healthy and Cavity-Free!

Our team wants to help you and your family avoid the onset of cavities, and enjoy optimal oral health for years to come. To learn more about our approach to children’s and family dentistry, schedule your visit with Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Gary, IN, today by calling 219-938-2637.