Halloween is just a few weeks away, and you may have already taken several steps to make sure you celebrate it properly. Buying and putting out decorations, selecting costumes, and stocking up on candy are all normal parts of preparing for the holiday. As fun as it can be to enjoy the season, that Halloween candy you have on hand can make trouble for your smile if you are not careful. Harder and stickier treats in particular can be tough on our enamel, but the general rise in your sugar intake is concerning even when you avoid these kinds of treats. If you are behind on your dental exams, this is a good time to book a visit. Our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office is here to help you keep your teeth and gums in great health during your visit, and we can offer guidance on better smile care at home.
People Of All Ages Can Have A Tough Time Turning Down Halloween Candy
It can be hard to resist the temptation to have a little Halloween candy when it is in your home, when you see a dish of treats up for grabs at work, or when you are surrounded by bags of the stuff in your grocery store. Those little indulgences can be enjoyable, but be careful not to overdo it, as you can expose your teeth to more harm when you provide more sugar for oral bacteria to consume. People of all ages can face heightened cavity risks at this time of year, but it can be an especially tough time for children, as they can have less awareness of the importance of good hygiene and a harder time resisting sweets.
This Is A Good Time To “Check In” On Your Hygiene Routine
A consistent oral hygiene routine, one that you practice each day, can start to feel like second nature to you. Unfortunately, that familiarity can sometimes make it hard to recognize when there are shortcomings in your routine. In advance of Halloween, pay closer attention to what you are doing when you brush and floss, and make sure you are practicing both thoroughly. You should also check on the condition of your toothbrush. If the bristles appear worn or it has been more than three months since you bought it, pick up a replacement to make sure you see the best results from your hygiene efforts.
Protecting Your Kids’ Teeth During The Halloween Season
Taking care to protect your kids from excess Halloween candy can lower their risks for problems that require restorative dental work. One direct way to protect them is to restrict their intake of candy. Coming up with a trade system where they turn over part of what they received while trick-or-treating for something else they want can help with this, and so can daily limits on what they are allowed to have. You should also make sure they are practicing good hygiene efforts if they are already brushing and flossing. You can always talk to Dr. Johnson-G’Sell about how to best protect them during their next pediatric dental exam.
Magnolia Family Dental Can Help Your Family Stay Safe From Cavity Troubles!
By making smart choices around Halloween, you can effectively protect your smile against cavity troubles! For more information on how we can help you with this, call Magnolia Family Dental in St. Louis, MO today at 314-822-4521.
