Kavanaugh Dentistry

You understand the importance of brushing your teeth at least twice and flossing at least once every single day, but you still seem to get cavities. You even notice friends or family around you that might not be as thorough as you are in their cleaning routines but they seem to never get a cavity. The truth of the matter is some people are more vulnerable to having cavities for a few different reasons. Let’s check out what those are and if they apply to you.

Diet

Your diet plays a major role in your oral health. Sugary snacks and drinks are very detrimental to your oral health and is where you should focus your attention on cutting back for your teeth’s sake. The only way sugary snacks and drinks don’t play a part in your chances of getting a cavity is if you brush your teeth immediately after consumption with fluoridated toothpaste. When sugar settles on and in between teeth, it helps destructive bacteria grow and multiply which results in the erosion of tooth enamel. Certain foods and drinks to avoid or brush immediately after consuming include sweets, juices, and sodas.

Oral Bacteria

Some people simply have more aggressive bacteria. Bacteria naturally forms in everybody’s mouth but for some people, it is more damaging to their enamel and causes decay at a faster rate. If you recognize that this might be your situation, add using an oral rinse to your daily routine to help strengthen your tooth’s natural protective layer.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is an amazing at combating cavities by washing away the destructive bacteria left behind from food and drink consumption. If you frequently experience dryness of the mouth, the bacteria hang around longer which allows its damaging effects get deeper and cause more cavities. Reasons for dry mouth to be aware of are side effects from medication, chemotherapy treatments, and illness. Solutions to this problem include consuming plenty of water and rinsing daily with mouthwash.

Gum Recession

In some cases, gums recede enough to show the roots of the teeth. Enamel doesn’t naturally cover the roots of the teeth so if they are exposed, the teeth much more vulnerable to cavities. The bacteria have simpler access to the teeth without the protective layer to stop it from causing decay. To avoid receding your gums any further, your toothbrush needs to have soft bristles, brush with fluoridated toothpaste, and use an oral rinse to strengthen your enamel.

In general, our bodies can go through countless changes as we grow older. Even though we become wiser, our bodies can become more susceptible to health risks. This is also true in our mouths. People tend to think of their mobility and cholesterol as they get older but often don’t think of what is happening with their oral health until a drastic issue occurs. This is why we think you should be aware of the following oral issues as you get older.

Worn Down Enamel

Over the years, all of the impact your teeth take with chewing and grinding can take a toll on their condition. Especially if you have had chips, cracks, breaks, or any other damage to your teeth, the consequences can show up later. At a point, all of the bearings will wear down your enamel. Your enamel is the hard protective layer on the outside of your teeth. Once worn away, it cannot be regained naturally. Ways to slow down the process of enamel erosion are to not chew on hard materials (like pens or pencils), avoid grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, and wearing a mouth guard when playing contact sports. Also avoid consuming any foods or drinks that are highly acidic like coffee, soft drinks, and citrus fruits. The acids will wear away your enamel. If you consume a highly acidic food or drink, brush your teeth in at least 30 minutes to stop the acidic reaction with your teeth before it starts.

Dry Mouth

A common occurrence among people as they get older is their mouth dries out more frequently. This happens naturally and it can also be a side effect of certain medications. Saliva is a huge factor in preserving your oral health. It washes away harmful bacteria that is left over from the foods and drinks you consume. It also helps keep the soft tissue in your mouth, like your gums and tongue, to stay healthy. A dry mouth can lead to irritations, swelling, and even wounds or infections in your mouth. The way to avoid a dry mouth is to stay hydrated constantly. It doesn’t hurt to swish some water around in your mouth a few times a day.

Gum Health

Healthy gums are a key ingredient to overall oral health. They are the anchor to your teeth; the soil that your teeth dig their roots into for support. A big reason lots of people have gum health issues today is because of smoking. Click here to learn more from a dentist’s perspective why you should either never start smoking or stop smoking today. The simple answer to keeping your gum health at peak performance is to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and remember to floss once a day.

Risk of Oral Cancer

This is the situation with almost all cancer, your risk of being diagnosed with oral cancer increases as you get older. Most people diagnosed with oral cancer are older than 55 and men have twice the chance to get it than women. To lower your risk of being diagnosed with oral cancer, avoid smoking, tobacco use of any kind, abusing alcohol, and other similar risky behaviors.

After learning all of this, you most likely realize now the significance of regularly visiting your dentist as the years' pass. We advise you visit us more frequently after you reach the age of 50. If you have any questions or you want to schedule an appointment, click the link below.

Everybody loves the Tooth Fairy from generation to generation. When your kids’ teeth start falling out, it is a great time for you to incorporate the Tooth Fairy and teaching good oral health practices. Teaching them early can form good habits that will last the rest of their life… which can save you a lot of money if they never need braces! Let’s look into how you can make the most out of the tooth fairy.

Tooth Fairy Dish

The way the tradition usually goes is the tooth is placed under the pillow and it is replaced with money. The problem is, now you have to swap the tooth out from under the pillow without waking your child up. If they wake up and catch you, then you have just lost out on a big part of their childhood. The safe route is to tell your child to leave their tooth on a dish or in a bowl overnight. It can be fun for your child to decorate it before they go to sleep to impress the Tooth Fairy. You can still go for the under the pillow method, and it will most likely work with no problems, but you will be doing so at your own risk.

Note from Tooth Fairy

Obviously, you should replace the tooth with some money or a gift, but it is important to also leave a note from the Tooth Fairy for your child to read in the morning. This gives a personal touch when they see that the Tooth Fairy knows their name and leaves a personal message. For example, you could say “Thank you so much for the beautiful tooth, Caroline! You must brush every day because you have such pretty teeth! I can't wait to come back for the rest of your baby teeth!”

Brushing Calendar

You have the opportunity to turn the Tooth Fairy into more than just a funny childhood story. When the Tooth Fairy comes around, you can help your kids be more engaged with their dental habits. Along with the money and a special note from the Tooth Fairy, as an extra gift, you should leave them a brushing calendar. Download one you can use by clicking here.

Scrap Book

Something fun to do along the way as your child is losing tooth by tooth, you can make a scrapbook. Take a picture of your child smiling after each tooth they lose to make an awesome time progression scrapbook. You will be happy you made a scrapbook years down the road when they are all grown up.

If you have any questions about your child’s dental health or your own, don't hesitate to ask! Click the link below to schedule an appointment!

It is a relatively known fact that smoking is not the best for your overall health. Most of the time people’s first thought about the damaging effects of smoking is lung cancer or other lung diseases. The truth is it can be the source of many more bodily problems. This includes multiple effects on oral health.

Let’s take a look at why you should either never start smoking or quit smoking if you want to have a healthy smile!

ORAL CANCER

In over two-thirds of all oral cancer cases, tobacco usage played a major role. With the mouth in close proximity to many of the body’s most important arteries, oral cancer can spread to the rest of the body fairly easily. It often forms on the bottom of the mouth, along with the side of the tongue, or back of the throat but can simply form anywhere in the mouth.

PERIODONTAL/GUM DISEASE

Nobody wants to lose their teeth. Unfortunately for smokers, the risk of periodontal/gum disease rises because of the increase of tartar around the teeth. Combined with slowed healing in the mouth, the effects can lead to losing your teeth. Yes, cavities can lead to losing teeth but statistically speaking, smoking causes loss of teeth more often than just cavities.

DECREASED HEALING AFTER ORAL SURGERY

Smoking impacts the immune system and can affect the healing process post mouth surgery. After having teeth pulled, smokers have an increased risk of dry sockets because it takes longer for them to completely heal compared to a nonsmoker. The same is true for healing time and success with any other surgery including implant placement and surgery removing gum disease.

STAINED TEETH AND TONGUE

It is obvious to point out a smoker from a group when everybody is smiling together. Smoking stains the teeth and tongue even if they brush twice a day, every day. Teeth will pick up a darkish brown while tongues can have a white or brown stain that is extremely difficult removed.

BAD BREATH

Smoking brings a harsh smell to some noses. Even long after the smoke break, smoking makes it easier for bacteria to grow inside the mouth which then leads to bad breath.

Oral hygiene encompasses and affects all different parts of the body. Your teeth, gums, and even tongue can be linked to several different complications in your overall health. Gum disease can cause a variety of problems throughout the body because it is linked to our blood stream.

So…. what affects my oral health?

1. HYDRATION

Saliva plays a key role in washing away bacteria in your mouth. After consuming food or sugary drinks, saliva washes away the leftover debris. Saliva has phosphate and calcium which are essential minerals to rebuild strong and healthy teeth.

2. DIET

According to the Dental Health Foundation, “Diet is a risk factor for dental caries, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancers and obesity.” Sugary foods and drinks leave bacteria which can cause caries and periodontal disease. Naturally, a well-balanced diet promotes not only general heart health but oral health as well.

3.BRUSHING/FLOSSING

While rumors have been going around questioning the validity of flossing, it is quite essential to prevent caries (cavities) in-between our teeth. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once per day to prevent plaque build-up and gum disease.

You should schedule a dental check-up if….

Gums are red and swollen

Gums bleed when you floss/brush/eat

You have a bad taste in your mouth or severe halitosis (bad breath)

You have constant pain or swelling in or around your jaw

You have sharp pain when chewing

Periodontal disease can cause tooth loss and lead to thousands of dollars in future expenses if left untreated. To ensure where you stand from an oral health standpoint, Dr. Kavanaugh, as well as his dental assistants and hygienists, are here to help provide tips, answer questions, and explain how you could improve to prevent problems in the future!

We’ve all been there – canker sores are a nuisance no one wants to deal with. They make moving your mouth in general seemingly impossible. Not only that, but they come up at the most inconvenient times. 

A canker sore is an abrasion that can form at the gum lines, soft tissue, or lips in an oral cavity.

More often than not, what people don’t realize is that there are many different alternatives to relieve your mouth from that sour stinging sensation. Don’t fall victim to just waiting through the pain of a canker sore and tackle it head on!

HERE ARE SOME REMEDIES TO HELP PREVENT AND HEAL CANKER SORES:

1. Basic salt water rinse – Per readersdigest.com, “sodium chloride draws water from surrounding tissues by osmosis which helps heal abrasions more quickly.” So, keep it simple, let the salt dissolve in warm water and rinse thoroughly.

2. Baking soda –  is an alkaline, it helps neutralize acids which kill bacteria and helps the sore heal more quickly. Place baking soda on the affected area and leave it on for about a minute, rinse afterward.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide.

Try making your own mouth rinse involving the following ingredients:

¼ cup hydrogen peroxide

¼ cup water

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

Rinse 2-3 times per day to flush out any bacteria that could be trapped inside the abrasion.

4. L-lysine – If taken 3 times a day you should notice that your canker sores happen less frequently. Keep in mind that this is a preventative measure. If canker sores consistently reoccur for you, it is in your best interest to incorporate L-lysine into your daily regimen to see a noticeable difference. Taking L-lysine after you’ve noticed a canker sore has occurred will not immediately relieve pain or reduce the canker sore quickly.

5. Topical paste – provides a numbing sensation that provides temporary relief. Can be purchased over the counter or through a dentist office. Topical crème is usually applied 2-3 times per day because eventually numbing wears off. This is an excellent remedy to relieve pain immediately but won’t further the progression of healing for the canker sore itself.

6. Cauterization - can be performed in a dentist’s office, usually, involves chemically “burning” the affected area to provide immediate relief to the abrasion. Provides permanent relief to the sore, however, is the most extensive in terms of procedure.

Consider trying each type of these remedies to see which works best for you. No one person is unique and everyone responds differently to all types of treatment.  A realistic suggestion would be to start with the simplest of treatments (basic salt water rinse) to decide how extensive you need to be in your quest to conquer canker sores.

At Kavanaugh Dentistry, we provide treatment to even the most minute matters. Dentistry encompasses a lot more than only providing restoration to cavities and routine hygiene cleanings. We hope to help you with all of your oral health questions and concerns.

Whether you plan on spending an evening entertaining with friends or you’re preparing for a date night that is one for the books, a case of bad breath is the surest way to ruin a great Valentine’s Day. Halitosis (or bad breath) is a common concern for many patients. According to recent studies, it is thought to affect around 20% of the US population.

WHILE THERE ARE VARYING DEGREES OF HALITOSIS, THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BAD BREATH INCLUDE:

Poor oral hygiene

Smoking or using tobacco products

Regularly ingesting strong smelling foods like coffee and garlic

Dry mouth

Oral infections like tooth decay or periodontal disease

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT BAD BREATH?

Simply put, halitosis is caused when bacteria in the mouth break down foods that produce foul odors. Luckily, most cases of bad breath can easily be avoided or remedied by improving your oral hygiene. Patients who are struggling with bad breath should do their best to improve their oral hygiene by brushing their teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily and using mouthwash to remove all food particles from their mouth. When your teeth and tongue are free from leftover food particles, bacteria is less likely to cause tooth decay or bad breath.

SOME OTHER EASY WAYS THAT YOU CAN ELIMINATE BAD BREATH INCLUDE:

Using tongue and cheek scrapers.

Swishing your mouth out with water after every meal.

Chewing sugar-free gum (for those with dry mouth).

Drinking more water. Dry mouths are more susceptible to tooth decay and bad breath.

There are countless methods we use to try and turn back the clock on our appearance. Whether it’s hip wardrobes and hairstyles or costly cosmetic surgeries, people go to great lengths to recapture the look and feeling of their youth.

Despite all of these anti-aging fads and gimmicks, studies show your smile can do more to make you look younger than anything else!

Good Oral Hygiene Keeps Your Smile Looking Younger, Longer

The simplest thing you can do to keep Father Time at bay is to practice good oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly promotes healthy teeth and gums and keeps your smile looking and feeling clean. If we ignore these simple habits, we put our smiles at risk of harmful bacteria which can lead to unsightly effects such as:

Cavities

Tooth discoloration or tooth loss

And periodontal disease

Maintaining good oral health throughout your life doesn’t just preserve the appearance of your smile, but it can preserve your overall health too. Bleeding gums caused by periodontal disease can allow bacteria from your mouth to enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. Research suggests gum disease can increase our risk for serious health problems, including…

Diabetes

Endocarditis and cardiovascular disease

Osteoporosis

Strokes

Alzheimer’s Disease

Brighten Your Smile With Professional Tooth Whitening

Even when you take good care of your teeth, over time they naturally yellow. Micro-fractures, thinning enamel, and built-up stains all make your teeth look duller and older. But, that can be changed with tooth whitening!

There are several tooth whitening solutions, each with their own unique benefits. From over the counter whitening strips to in-office whitening treatments, we can help you decide which whitening solution is best for your smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Give You The Look You Want

Whether you need just a few touch-ups or would like an amazing dental makeover, cosmetic dentistry can provide exactly the look you want. Cosmetic dentistry has both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits. Treatment can repair your teeth and correct your bite, and at the same time give you the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted!

Be Confident In Your Smile

One of the best ways to appear more youthful is to smile more! This can start a wonderful cycle too! Smiling more can actually make you happier, and make you want to smile more.

History is full of outrageous tales about teeth! How many of these weird dental facts have you heard before?

THE DENTAL WOES THAT WON THE BATTLE OF YORKTOWN?

During the Revolutionary War, George Washington wrote a letter to his dentist requesting some dental cleaning instruments to be sent to New York, noting that the American forces wouldn’t be in Philadelphia any time soon. The correspondence was intercepted by the British, making them think that Washington would not move his army to Yorktown. When the Americans attacked Yorktown anyway, the British were caught unawares and the battle was ultimately won.

THE POWER OF A TOOTH

In Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth is home to Buddha’s left canine. After Buddha’s death, this tooth played a major role in politics–whoever was in possession of the tooth had the right to rule the country. The tooth was passed down from monarch to monarch for generations as a symbol of power and authority to govern. Talk about strong teeth!

COTTON CANDY AND A GOOD LAUGH

Some dentists throughout history put their names on the map as inventors. William Morrison may have been a dentist, but he is best known for developing the cotton candy machine! We think it was his history as a dentist that inspired him to first call cotton candy “fairy floss.”

Another dentist named Horace Wells saw a public demonstration of the effects of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and recognized its medical possibilities. He asked a colleague to pull one of his teeth out while he was under the influence of laughing gas and said he didn’t feel a thing, effectively introducing general anesthesia to dentistry. Now that’s dedication!

THE $31,000 TOOTH

After getting a tooth extracted, John Lennon gave it to his housekeeper whose daughter was a huge Beatles fan. The tooth stayed in the family for over 40 years until it was sold at an auction for approximately 31,000 dollars!

SIR, YOU HAVE SPINACH IN YOUR TEETH…

The famous frontman for the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, added some flare to his smile by putting an emerald chip in one of his teeth. Unfortunately, most people thought it was a piece of spinach. He changed it to a ruby but got tired of people telling him it was a drop of blood. He finally settled on a diamond instead.

FLOSS YOUR WAY TO FREEDOM?

In 1994, an inmate escaped from a West Virginia prison by braiding dental floss into a rope and scaling the prison wall! We recommend just using floss to clean out those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth.

GETTING INTO CHARACTER

Some actors are really devoted to their craft! For his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Johnny Depp had gold caps put on his teeth. He wore them until after the filming of the third film!

In the comedy “The Hangover,” Ed Helms’ character loses a tooth after getting punched by the boxing legend, Mike Tyson. Well, guess what? His toothless grin is real! When Helms’ permanent tooth never grew in, he decided to get a dental implant to improve the appearance of his smile. For the film, he had his implant taken out so the tooth loss would be authentic!

KNOW ANY MORE INTERESTING STORIES?

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions, Answered!

Want to know what our patients have been asking us? Here are the top five frequently asked questions we get at our practice!

#1: “How often do I actually need to visit the dentist?”

For most people, twice a year. Even if you do have perfect oral hygiene, plaque and tartar buildup are inevitable. With a professional cleaning every six months, your teeth will stay clean and healthy. We can also catch problems early at your biannual appointments, often saving you time, pain and money!

If Dr. Kavanaugh wants you to come in more frequently than twice a year, it may be because you have gum disease, are pregnant, or smoke, among other things. How often you need to make a dental visit is based on the health of your gums as well as how committed you are to a good oral hygiene program.

#2: “My tooth doesn’t hurt so I why do I need a filling?”

A cavity forms when bacteria in plaque produce acids that eat away at your tooth. It will usually not hurt at the beginning stages since it is only harming the protective outer layer of the tooth called the enamel. If a cavity is left untreated, the decay will reach the inner layers of the tooth, finally causing pain and sensitivity. Many cavities can now be treated with our Solea laser. That means no injection, no drill, and no numbness!

Most dental problems don’t have any symptoms until they reach a more advanced stage. That’s why it’s important for you to come in every six months–we can catch problems before you even begin feeling them!

#3: “What can I do about tooth sensitivity?”

Start by using desensitizing toothpastes, which are specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth and reduce pain. You can also help by limiting acidic foods and drinks which eat away at your tooth enamel over time, causing sensitivity. In addition, don’t brush too aggressively. This can cause gum recession, which is a frequent cause of sensitive teeth. If these steps do not help, come in to see us! There are other in-office treatments we can provide to reduce sensitivity.

#4: “Why are my teeth getting more yellow?”

A darkening or yellowing of the teeth is inevitable over time, as this occurs naturally with age. However, trauma and certain lifestyle behaviors can contribute to tooth discoloration. The most common culprits for surface stains are cigarettes, wine, coffee, tea, cola, sports drinks, berries, hard candy and tomato sauce. If your smile has lost its sparkle, talk to us about the whitening options we provide in our office!

We Love It When Our Patients Ask Questions!

How To Keep Those Pearly Whites Over The Holidays?!

Who wants to think about maintaining a healthy mouth over the holidays? I mean, aren’t you already brushing and flossing like you should? But then, there are lots of treats begging to be eaten this time of year — like chocolates and cookies and cakes and candy canes. Oh my, the damage they can do to your teeth!

DR. KAVANAUGH BELIEVES THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT TIME TO GIVE YOUR PEARLY WHITES A LITTLE EXTRA ATTENTION. HE HAS SIX TIPS TO SHARE:

Two and Two. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends people brush their teeth two times a day for two minutes. This simple habit can make a big difference over time.

Avoid hard candy and other sweets that might stay in the mouth for a long period of time. The quantity and the amount of time sugary foods and sweets stay in the mouth plays a major role in tooth decay.

Limit the amount of sticky and/or chewy candies. During this time of the year, it’s easy to munch on mouth-watering pieces of sticky or chewy sweets like caramel, toffee and fudge. Just remember, stickier candies take longer to get washed away by saliva and can increase the risk for tooth decay. In addition, some of the stickier candies and desserts can loosen or remove fillings, crowns and other dental work.

Drink water, water and more water. When teeth are in constant contact with beverages that contain sugar, there is an increased risk of tooth decay. Balance things out by drinking water in between drinking sugary beverages. If bottled water is an option, make sure to choose the fluoridated bottled water.

Don’t use the teeth. Giving and receiving gifts are a common practice during the holidays. Some people get so caught up in the excitement of wrapping and opening items that they use their teeth to remove tags from new clothing and cut through string and tape. Try to avoid using teeth as a pair of scissors because this type of wear and tear can cause teeth to crack, chip and even break!

Visit the dentist. Remember to schedule a checkup appointment with our office. It’s important to maintain regular and routine preventive dental care during the holidays and throughout the year because a regular dental exam can bring attention to issues that aren’t visible or painful in the early stages. Dr. Kavanaugh can spot early warning signs in the mouth that may indicate disease elsewhere in the body.

Good Example Of What Not To Do This Year:)

Don’t Ignore These Dental Tips This Holiday Season!

It’s that time of year again for one holiday party after another which means lots of delicious food — and many Christmas treats can be hard on your teeth and gums if you’re not careful. Relax though, you don’t have to completely give up on your favorite goodies this time of year if you bear the following tips in mind.

Don’t overdo it on hard treats like candy canes and popcorn balls.

Whether they’re at office parties, your friend’s house, or gift tins you’re receiving, you might find things like peppermint bark, popcorn balls, candy canes, and other hard desserts tough to put down. Brush your teeth after you’ve eaten these treats to help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

If you can’t brush your teeth after dessert, opt for sugar-free gum.

If you’re on the go and don’t want to seem awkward brushing your teeth at your host’s place, chew some sugarless gum after you’re done eating. This helps boosts your saliva production to help flush out food residue.

Make like the classic ballet and use a nutcracker.

The festive aroma of roasted whole nuts is evocative but make sure there’s a nutcracker handy. Don’t use your teeth to crack them open. Opt for pre-shelled nuts or a different snack if there’s no nutcracker around.

Remember to brush at least twice a day.

Taking some long-awaited vacation time can disrupt your regular routines. But while you’re lounging in your PJs catching up on your shows, you shouldn’t forget to brush your teeth at least twice daily (including when you’ve had enough of the endless parade of sweets.)

Be prepared in case of crunch time.

It’s still possible you could break a tooth on a candy cane just to be unable to see a dentist due to holiday office closures. Keep gauze, pain relievers, and floss handy and ask your dentist who you can call in an emergency if their office will be closed during the holidays. If you’re traveling and can’t see your regular dentist, be aware of which practices offer emergency services where you’re headed. Enjoy the holidays!

The end of the year is rapidly approaching! Before year’s end, our team at Kavanaugh Dentistry wants to remind you to take a look at your dental insurance benefits!

Insurance Benefits Typically Don’t Roll Over To Next Year

Each year your dental insurance company probably gives you a maximum amount of available benefits. Since those benefits don’t typically roll over into the following year, you’ll want to contact us now to get your appointment scheduled!

We all know how it is, once the holiday season is upon us — hectic! Life can get really busy and some things fall between the cracks. So remember that your dental health needs your attention too — not just for the sake of your teeth, but for your overall health. If you’re due (or overdue) for an appointment, make sure to talk to our office. Take advantage of those dental insurance benefits before time is up!

Do you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits? Call us! We’re happy to work with you to create a dental health plan that works for you!

Thanks for being our valued patient! PH: 317-846-7700

We are also accepting new patients, you can schedule your first visit online, HERE

Halloween’s around the corner and you and your kids are excited about putting together your costumes and, of course, the prospect of candy. While you don’t want to deprive your children of a fun Halloween experience that includes having a huge stockpile of candy, you also want to ensure that they enjoy their treats in moderation. Here are some dental health concerns you’ll also want to be mindful of when it comes to preventing tooth decay.

TRY TO GET MORE NON-CANDY TREATS IF POSSIBLE WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING.

Many parents sharing the same concerns as you about diet and dental health give out pencils, toys, coins, wiggly worms, and other goodies that aren’t edible. Try to hit those houses first.

AVOID STICKY CANDIES.

Candies like taffy, gum, fruit snacks, and gummy worms/bears that are stickier than other kinds of candy take longer to get broken down by saliva. Sticky candies increase the risk of tooth decay. Go for a different kind if possible.

DRINK MORE WATER AND AVOID SUGARY DRINKS DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR.

As your kids make their way through that candy stockpile, you’ll want to eliminate sugary beverages like soda, juices, and sports drinks. These drinks are hard on the teeth’s enamel to begin with, but when combined with candy on a regular basis the risk for tooth decay is increased.

Water, on the other hand, helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoridated water is very good for your teeth, and you’ll want to check bottled water to make sure it has fluoride.

ONLY ALLOW CANDY WITH MEALS OR SHORTLY AFTER MEAL TIMES, NOT AS A SNACK.

The time when candy is eaten is surprisingly important. When sugary foods and beverages are eaten with meals or shortly after mealtime, saliva production increases. This helps break down the candy particles on the teeth and cancel out acids and bacteria produced in the mouth, which puts your child at less risk for tooth decay than if they were eating candy as a snack.