In just a few days, children in our community will be hitting the streets, going door-to-door in costume to pick up treats and candy. While we love this holiday as much as anyone, we also know that too much sugar could mean a painful cavity. In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist will be offering tips to help families protect their smiles from the onset of tooth decay!
Kids and Cavities
How does eating too many sweets cause a cavity to form? Well, when we eat candy, especially if the items are chewy or sticky, this allows sugary parties to become trapped on or between the teeth. Bacteria will feast on these particles, a process that not only leads to high levels of oral acidity, but also coats the teeth in a sticky layer plaque. The buildup and oral acidity then weaken and erode the tooth enamel, enabling harmful bacteria to make contact with the inner dentin, which is more sensitive and porous. A cavity then forms, one that grows more severe over time and could cause serious sensitivity and toothaches!
Preventing Tooth Decay
To help prevent tooth decay, make sure your kids take time each day to remove these sugar particles, brushing their teeth when they wake and before bed for two minutes each session. Kids also need to floss thoroughly in between each tooth before going to sleep. Try to limit how much candy they eat each day, and you may consider giving them the opportunity to trade their candy in to you for a small toy or possibly a video game. If you’re handing out candy this year, and you can help other smiles in the neighborhood by offering sugar-free treats, such as stickers, crayons or pencils, Halloween party favors, or temporary tattoos. These items are also fun for children with food allergies that would otherwise make finding edible candy difficult!
What If You Have a Cavity?
If you or your child begins to experience a toothache that doesn’t subside, then schedule a visit with our team. We will look at your smile and if we find tooth decay, we can offer treatment in one visit. Our fillings use composite resin, a metal-free material that can be shaded to match the color of your teeth. Placement take one sitting and halts the progress of tooth decay, protecting the tooth from infection or becoming lost entirely. If you have any questions, then contact our team today!
Let’s Protect Your Child’s Smile From Tooth Decay
With routine office visits and better homecare habits, you and your children can enjoy healthier smiles. To find out more about our approach to family dentistry, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
