Safeguarding Smiles Against Cavities During Halloween

austin halloween tooth decay

We all enjoy Halloween, and trick or treating is fun for kids of all ages. But too many sweets could lead to painful cavities in little smiles. Which is why we want to make sure your kids enjoy good oral health. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about safeguarding smiles from the onset of tooth decay.

The Causes of Tooth Decay

How do cavities form in our smiles? Our teeth are coated in a very strong layer of outer enamel, which protects the inner structure from exposure to bacteria, keeping cavities at bay. But when we consume too many sweets, this leaves behind sugar clinging to the teeth and becoming trapped between them. This feeds harmful oral bacteria, leading to plaque and tartar buildup that actually erodes and weakens the enamel, leading to the onset of tooth decay. Which is why steps should be taken to ensure your family can enjoy their Halloween treats without leaving their smiles at risk for the onset of tooth decay.

Smile Healthy Treats

First, if you’re going to be handing out treats to kids in your neighborhood, we suggest offering sugar-free options, such as sealed packages of nuts or trail mix, or possible party favors like spider rings or plastic skeletons, or even stickers. These are fun treats that don’t put smiles at risk! When your kids bring home their bags of treats, you should limit how many they can eat each day, and offer them after dinner with a glass of water, as this helps cleanse the sugar from the smile. Other parents order kids a chance to pick their favorite pieces, and trade the bulk in for money or a toy.

Keeping Smiles Healthy

To protect their smiles, make sure they take time to brush in the morning and at night using a fluoride toothpaste, and for two minutes each session. Flossing is also essential, as this removes what a toothbrush’s bristles cannot reach. Consider a visit for checkup and cleaning too! So, we can keep an eye on the smile and watch for signs of trouble, and also remove all plaque and tartar buildup. We could also discuss fluoride treatments and dental sealants to lower the risk of cavities too. A visit now is a chance to see us and receive care before the end of the year and the holiday season complicates your schedule.

You can also use your 2022 dental insurance benefits and health savings funds before they expire!

Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?

We would like to help kids enjoy their trick or treating without developing cavities. To make an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312.