Preventing cavities is an important part of caring for your children’s health. But it’s often much harder on treat-focused holidays like Halloween. Our dentists explain why preventing cavities in children is so important, and share a few tips on how you can help your kids fight tooth decay this spooky season.
Why You Need to Prevent Cavities in Children
Cavities just might be the scariest part of Halloween! Children are especially prone to tooth decay, as they are still developing the skills needed to properly clean their teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. Cavities can lead to infections, pain, and even tooth loss.
Infections
Cavities are caused by bacteria that eat away at the tooth enamel. These same bacteria can cause dental abscesses and even spread infections to other parts of the body. This can be especially dangerous in very young children, as their immune systems are still developing, and in those with autoimmune deficiencies.
Tooth Pain
As a cavity becomes larger it gets closer to the nerves of the tooth. This leads to sensitivity and pain. Dental pain can lead children to stop eating or limit their enjoyment of things they once loved.
Tooth Loss
Untreated cavities can lead to premature tooth loss. Baby teeth are not “practice teeth” and losing them too soon can affect the development of the permanent teeth. Plus, baby teeth help kids maintain healthy eating habits, talk and make certain sounds, and missing teeth can even have an effect on their confidence.
Tooth-Healthy Halloween Tips
A fear of cavities should not ruin the fun Halloween vibes! Here’s how to help your children avoid cavities and still enjoy the fun of trick-or-treat.
1: Always Brush Before Bed
Letting children eat some candy is all right as long as they give their teeth a good brushing before bedtime. It is especially important to not let children eat candy after they have brushed their teeth for the night—flossing will give them even more cavity-fighting power.
2: Limit the Amount of Candy
Most of the damage from Halloween candy happens after trick-or-treating. Prolonged consumption of extra sugar and poor brushing habits can easily lead to cavities. Limiting the amount of candy per day will help reduce their sugar intake. This can help stop cavities, and keep your children within the recommended range for sugar consumption.
3: Add a Mouth Rinse
Using mouthwash is a great way to help prevent cavities. Children who are six and up, who can gargle and spit without swallowing can add a mouth rinse to their nightly routine. This is a great way to wash away excess sugar and cavity-causing bacteria.
4: Visit the Dentist
Children should see a dentist twice a year, or sooner if they are experiencing tooth pain. By keeping up with dental visits, cavities and other oral health problems can be treated before they become a major concern.
Pediatric Dental Care in Flagstaff, Arizona
Dental care should never be scary! Here at Country Club Dental, we know just how important your child’s oral care is, so we try to make them as comfortable as possible during their visits. Our dentists, Dr. Paul Whitney and Dr. Mikaela Weedman, are here to help you keep your kids’ smiles pearly white. Contact us today to schedule appointments for the whole family.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/30/24). Photo by Julia Raasch on Unsplash.
