Prioritizing Oral Health This Halloween

Closeup of smiling woman eating chocolate barNeedless to say, nearly everything out there can influence your smile in a negative manner. As a matter of fact, you may be interacting with threats that you had no idea were so! Because of this, cavities, gum disease, and other issues may develop before your very eyes and you are now having to make the decision about what treatment to pursue. In today’s blog, your  Houston, TX dentist explores how sugars contained in Halloween candy and other treats can be linked to tooth decay, as well as what your options may be for mitigating these concerns.

The Holidays are Upon Us

They do not call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing, and most people are quick to share that the last three months of the year is the best time to experience. Indeed, there are a variety of benefits from so many consecutive holidays. Among these include breaks from work and school, vacations, gatherings with friends, family, and loved ones, and of course, getting to indulge in some sweet seasonal treats.

Up first in the holiday lineup – the one that kickstarts the season – is Halloween. Indeed, this holiday is often well accepted by younger smiles, as it is the one time of year that they can dress up as anything or anyone they want and receive an unending supply of candy from neighbors.

While it is a night many look forward to, it is also important to recognize the impact candies have on your little one’s developing smile. For more information about this process and what you need to know, give us a call today.

Understanding the Link

By now you are likely aware that tooth decay is arguably the most common dental concern there is. As a matter of fact, it affects millions of people every year in some form or another. It begins when oral bacteria lurk in the recesses of the mouth and produce acids that eat away at your protective layer of enamel.

When you add sugars to the mix, the result is the production of these acids at a much more rapid rate. Without treatment, this leads to cavities, infected teeth roots, and tooth loss. In other words, candy really does rot your teeth.

What You Can Do

Though eliminating sugar from your family’s diet is much easier said than done, it is important to be aware of overall sugar consumption. Indeed, our team recommends consuming sweets in moderation and taking care to clean your teeth shortly thereafter. This will help eliminate traces of the sugars and, ideally, prolong your healthy smile.

Learn More Today

For more information about the link between tooth decay and sugar, contact Sue Ellen Richardson, DDS in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 and schedule your next appointment with our team today.