Halloween is still a few days away, but you may already sense that Halloween candy is constantly within arm’s reach. This is an important time to think about your kids’ dental health needs, as trick-or-treating can provide them with a considerable candy haul. With that said, sweets affect teeth of all ages, and you may cause trouble for your own smile with “occasional” indulgences. Our St. Louis, MO dental practice is ready to help families who want to keep their teeth safe throughout the year. We can help take care of tooth decay that occurs after Halloween, and we are ready to help you protect yourself so cavities don’t “haunt” your smile!
Problems Halloween Candy Can Cause
When you eat candy, you consume sugar. This may sound obvious, but it is a fact that may escape people’s minds when they help themselves to Halloween candy. All sweets should be a cause for concern, and should be enjoyed in moderation. You should be particularly careful about sticky treats, and hard candies. The wrong bite into hard candy can leave a person with a chipped or cracked tooth that requires a dental crown. Goodies that are on the sticky side can be hard to fully remove from your teeth. Their lingering presence gives oral bacteria more time to feed on sugars, and damage your smile!
Will Trick-Or-Treating Hurt Your Child’s Smile?
A successful trick-or-treating trip will see your child bring home a full bag of candy. Establishing limits on how much they can have in a typical day helps keep their teeth out of cavity trouble. If you want to cut down on how much sugar they have, you can also consider implementing an exchange program where they can trade their candy to you for other rewards.
For younger kids who are new to brushing and flossing on their own, October is a great time to check in and give them oral care guidance. Join them before bed to make sure that they brush and floss effectively. You can further encourage them by cleaning your teeth together, and modeling good habits for them.
Good Oral Health Habits Are Important All Year Long
While Halloween is often a tricky time for smile care, your goal should be to maintain great oral health habits throughout the year. With regular dental exams, you can ensure that your teeth are being professionally cleaned and evaluated for problems. These visits allow Dr. Johnson to identify issues, and act quickly to restore your oral health. During your professional teeth cleanings, you can have plaque and calculus, along with any food debris, completely removed, which lowers your risk for future cavities.
Dr. Johnson Can Help You Keep Your Teeth Safe From Halloween Candy
Halloween can be a time for spooky fun, but with smart habits and oral care, you do not have to be frightened for your teeth! At Magnolia Family Dental, Dr. Johnson is ready to help patients in and around St. Louis, MO keep their teeth in terrific health! We can provide important preventive care, restorative work, or cosmetic dental services that have lasting value. For more information, please contact Magnolia Family Dental today at 314-822-4521.
