We know your kids are excited to go trick-or-treating next week! Halloween is an exciting time for kids to dress up as their favorite characters and collect an abundance of candy. Before you and your family enjoy this holiday, the team at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, has a few tips to protect your child’s smile and keep them cavity-free this season.
Enjoy Sweets In Moderation
Eating a large amount of sugar can increase the chances of developing a cavity. The sugar found in your favorite Halloween sweets can stick to your teeth and harden into plaque. This can then lead to your enamel being eroded by the bacteria and a cavity is formed. While eating a few pieces of candy every now in then should be safe, an abundance of sugary snacks may not be ideal. Before trick-or-treating, cook a healthy meal for your kids so they are satisfied before they head out for the night. Make sure to set an expectation for your little ones that they can have a few pieces of candy a day with their meals, but not too much at once. We want you and your kids to have a great time this holiday, but don’t let your oral hygiene get away from you.
Drink Plenty Of Water
By now, you may already know that your diet and hygiene habits play a significant role in the health of your smile. Staying hydrated can also improve your oral health as well. Make sure that your little ones are drinking plenty of water throughout the day especially when eating sweets. This can help wash out food particles and bacteria from the foods and snacks they have eaten. In addition to this, hydration helps improve saliva production which neutralizes acids in the mouth. As a result, tooth decay can be decreased and your pearly whites are protected. If a cavity does form, you can have this treated with a dental filling.
Ensure A Healthy Smile First
Tooth decay doesn’t happen just from eating candy one night a year. Cavities take several months to form, which is one of the reasons why you should see the dentist twice a year for a checkup. Before you take your kids trick-or-treating, consider scheduling them a dental cleaning and examination. During their appointment, they will have their teeth professionally cleaned and examined. If a cavity is found during this visit, your little one will need a dental filling to restore the area. By having this done before this sugar-filled holiday, you can prevent toothaches and worsening decay in the future.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team
Keep your kids’ smiles safe this Halloween with proper preventive care. Call the team at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, today at 515-965-0230 to schedule an appointment.
