A Dentist Explains How to Give Cavities a Scare This Halloween!

We’re just a few days away from the most celebrated event of the month of October: Halloween. Everybody knows what this holiday is known for – candy, candy and then some more candy. The problem is that without some structure, consuming an abundance of sweets can contribute to the development of cavities. Thankfully, a local dentist has some helpful tips that will aid in protecting your child’s oral health and to ensure an evening full of treats without the tricks!

The Danger of Overindulging in Candy

While a night full of eating sweet delights is a kid’s dream come true, the reality is that oral bacteria love to feed on the leftover sugar. As the microorganisms begin to digest the leftover particles, they release caustic fluids that can bore holes into the enamel (the outer-layer of the teeth) over time.

To prevent this from happening, there are some precautionary steps that can be taken that will allow your little one to enjoy the festivities in a carefree manner.

Tip #1 – Set a Candy Limit

There is no doubting the fact that your child will have access to far more candy than he or she can consume. Still, it’s important to set some limits for how much candy can be consumed that night. The bottom line is that the less sugar there is present, the better the chances are of keeping bacteria growth under control.

Tip #2 – Encourage Excellent Dental Hygiene

Before Halloween gets here, you can set some expectations about the type of dental hygiene that your child should be performing. Here are the two habits that should be emphasized the most:

• Brushing – By brushing for at least two minutes twice a day, resilient oral bacteria can be held in check.
• Flossing – Because brushing can’t completely clean teeth by itself, it’s a must to use dental floss as well. The flexible material will allow your child to get into the tight spaces between the teeth where sugar particles and bacteria can hide.

Tip #3 – Keep Some Water on Hand

Between eating any treats, if your child drinks water, it will help to flush away any debris that may try to cling to the teeth and gums. It can also help to curb any sugar cravings so your child naturally eats less candy.

Tip #4 – Schedule a Dental Checkup

This is an excellent time to take your child in for a dental visit, which will include a cleaning that will remove any lingering plaque or tartar. Following that, his or her teeth and gums will be carefully examined to make sure there are no challenges on the horizon.

As another way to prevent cavities, the dentist can apply dental sealants, which are plastic coatings that make it harder for bacteria to cling to the teeth. This is great for you as a parent, because it will prevent any unnecessary suffering for your child, while saving you time and money.

To get more help with fortifying your kiddo’s dental health or to treat a Halloween night dental emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out to your children’s dentist to schedule a visit!

About the Author

Dr. Dana C. Jones is a graduate of the University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine. Over a career that has spanned more than two decades, he has worked tirelessly to expand his knowledge, which is why he has received countless hours of postgraduate education, which includes training from the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies. Dr. Jones protects children’s teeth by providing preventive dentistry at Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center, and he can be reached for more information through his website.