riverside halloween cavities

Halloween is around the corner, which means kids will be going door-to-door to get their candy haul. While we love this holiday, we also know too much sugar could lead to cavities. Which is why we want to offer tips for enjoying Halloween and avoiding cavities. In today’s blog, the team at Riverside Dental Group in Corona, CA, talk about cavity prevention.

The Link Between Candy and Cavities

When kids bring home tons of candy, eating too much of it can leave particles of sugar behind on or between your teeth. As oral bacteria consume these particles, this increases the risk of tooth decay and dental infection, and could even threaten the stability of the tooth. Which is why we suggest limiting how many pieces of candy kids can eat each day. Better yet, reserve them for just after dinner, when the combination of increased saliva production and a glass of water can help rinse away the sugar particles. You could even offer your kids the chance to trade candy in for money or a toy. If you are giving out treats in your neighborhood or building, then consider alternatives to candy, such as Halloween-themed party favors, stickers, or temporary tattoos.

Children’s Dental Care

Our team can also help your little ones enjoy a reduced risk of tooth decay. When you bring your kids in for a checkup, we will look for the earliest indicators of tooth decay and offer care, such as fillings, to bring relief. We also clean the teeth, which involves removing all plaque and tartar to reduce the risk of cavities, as well as bad breath and teeth stains. But we also have preventive treatments to help lower the risk of tooth decay. For example, fluoride varnish can be applied to the teeth during the exam visit to strengthen the outer enamel and prevent erosion and cavities. Since kids have difficulty reaching the rear teeth, we can coat the molars in dental sealants, a thin acrylic layer that keeps food and drink particles from being trapped between teeth. These can stay in place for up to ten years!

Proper Brushing and Flossing

You should also make sure your kids brush twice a day for two minutes and floss every evening too!

Riverside Dental Group Offers Cavity Prevention

We want to help children and adults alike avoid the onset of tooth decay. Contact us online, or give us a call at one of your local neighborhood Riverside Dental group locations:

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.
Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.
Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest (951) 776-9001.
Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.
Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.
Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.