Halloween is a fun holiday for kids and grownups alike, but Halloween is also a time when we tend to eat a few more sweets than normal. Too much sugar is a recipe for tooth decay, and this is especially true for people with orthodontics that sticky and chewy candies could become trapped in. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist will look at how you can avoid cavities following Halloween.
Candy and Tooth Decay
Candies, and other sugary foods and beverages, contain high amounts of sugary. Harmful oral bacteria will break down the bits of sugar trapped in your teeth, using them for fuel. In the process, this elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque buildup. The buildup then causes demineralization, weakening and eroding the enamel. The exposed inner tissue is vulnerable to decay, so a cavity forms. Unless treated, the cavity will grow in severity with time, leading to tooth sensitivity and toothaches, as well as dental infection.
The Complications for Those with Orthodontics
When we have braces, candies could become stuck in them. If you wear aligners and take them out to eat sweets and replace them, again bits of sugary could remain trapped in the teeth. To help protect your smile, try to limit how many sweets you eat. Avoid the especially chewy ones that could become trapped in your braces or teeth, and wash them down with a glass of water. If you have kids, you could even encourage them to trade their sweets in for a toy. If you’re handing our treats this year, consider fun candy alternatives like stickers, temporary tattoos, Halloween themed party favors, or nuts and trail mix in sealed packages.
Keeping Smiles Strong
To further protect your smile, make sure you take time to brush your teeth when you wake up and again before going to bed. Each session should take about two minutes, and makes use of a toothpaste containing fluoride. You should floss before bed too. If you have braces, make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning around your brackets and wires to remove trapped bits of food. Make sure you attend regular visits with us, and your general dentist too, to ensure you continue to maintain optimal oral health. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL HYGIENE?
Our team is ready to help address your poor alignment and also give tips on keeping your smile free of cavities. To learn more about keeping your smile safe during treatment or about our treatment options themselves, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Springtown, Rome, and all surrounding communities.
