With Halloween around the corner, it is tempting to stock up on candy and maybe sneak in a piece here or there. While you may be able to control temptations, it is likely that your child cannot. Following Halloween, it is common to see the number of cavities at our family dentist in Bloomingdale and West Loop increase! This Halloween, before you let your child eat as much candy as they want, read about the effects sugar has on your child’s developing smile.
Tooth Decay
When we eat sugar, it produces damaging bacteria in our mouths that dissolves our teeth. Sugar, especially when consumed in high amounts, can have a significant impact on tooth decay. Not only is sugar found in Halloween candy, but it is also found in many sports drinks, soft drinks, fruit juices and more! Over time, acid can build up and cause even further tooth erosion, even dissolving the outer surface of tooth enamel. This enamel loss eventually causes a cavity, causing increased tooth sensitivity.
How’s this for a startling fact: every acid attach lasts in your mouth for about 20 minutes. As soon as you take another bite or drink of the acid source, the damage begins all over again!
Eat Candy in Moderation
You don’t need to deprive your child of candy on Halloween, but make sure that they eat in in moderation! You can also stash away their Halloween candy and use it as a reward if they consistently do a good job of brushing their teeth.
Visit Our Family Dentist in Bloomingdale or West Loop
Both you and your child should visit the dentist at least once every six months to make sure there are no developing problems! Schedule a reservation with our family dentist in Bloomingdale or West Loop for an enjoyable experience.