Even modest plans on Halloween can leave people with an unusual amount of candy within reach. If you are not careful, you can unintentionally overindulge with those treats and raise your risk for tooth decay! You can also have the misfortune of chipping or cracking a tooth after biting down on candy with a harder outer surface. Our Rochester, MN dentist’s office encourages patients to practice moderation with sweets at all times, and especially at times when they are surrounded by more temptation. With that said, we know that this can be a tough time of year to keep teeth safe. If you need treatment for tooth decay or dental trauma, we are here to help!
Too Many Halloween Treats Will Affect Your Cavity Risk
Halloween is only one day, but we can wind up with increased access to sweets for many weeks before and even after the holiday! Because of this, you may have started consuming more sugar than normal, which can change your risk for dental decay over time. While sugar is something you should generally watch out for, there are some treats that pose more risks than others. Sticky items are more likely to cling to your teeth. This provides more food for the oral bacteria that feed on sugars, which in turn leads to more erosion of your enamel that can turn into a cavity. Hard candies are also trouble, as one unlucky bite can leave you with a tooth that needs treatment as soon as possible!
Watch Out For Dental Damage From Hard Candies
While our teeth are strong, you may come away with a painful chip or crack in your enamel when you try to bite down on something hard. Hard candies are able to damage teeth enough to make treatment with a dental crown necessary. Even if the damage proves to be superficial, you can remain self-conscious about your smile until you have cosmetic dental work provided.
Protecting Your Kids’ Teeth From Their Halloween Hauls
While adults can sometimes have a tough time turning down sweets, kids can be especially susceptible to temptation from Halloween candies. Set (and stick to) limits on how much they can have at one time to help protect them. If your kids are just starting to brush and floss on their own, this is a great time to check on them when they clean their teeth. Make sure their next pediatric dental exam is scheduled, too, so that they are sure to enjoy preventive care before any problems can form and worsen.
Your Rochester, MN Dentist’s Office Can Help You Maintain Or Restore Your Smile
Our Rochester, MN dentist’s office is prepared to help our community members if they finished Halloween with dental problems! To find out more about our services, or to discuss routine care, call Calcagno Cosmetic And Family Dentistry at (507) 281-3659.
