Cavity Prevention for Halloween with Your Dentist in Homer Glen, IL

One of the most widely anticipated holidays is just around the corner. This Halloween, as you enjoy the fun costumes and yummy goodies and candies, we would like to remind you about the risk for cavity development. While eating candy is ok in moderation and with the right oral hygiene, you can still develop tooth decay. Although one night of indulgence probably will not cause a cavity, we do not want to see you place your oral health at risk. As your dentist in Homer Glen, IL, we have a few cavity prevention tips to keep in mind this Halloween.

Preventing the Development of Cavities

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 percent of children in the United States have untreated dental cavities and nearly 100 percent of adults have had at least one cavity. Cavities are one of the top dental complications we treat; however, cavities are preventable. Cavities develop when acids from sugars slowly eat away at the enamel. Over time, small holes develop in the enamel, eventually reaching the dentin if not treated. While cavities are quite common, there are several things you can do to prevent their development.

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

A crucial step to preventing cavities involves brushing your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to thoroughly clean the surfaces of the teeth. Do not forget to brush the tongue and pay careful attention to hard to reach places, such as the molars and inside surfaces of the teeth.

Floss Your Teeth Daily

In addition to brushing, you need to floss your teeth daily. Brushing cannot remove food and plaque accumulations from between the teeth. Flossing is the only means to do so. Use 18 inches of dental floss to insert the floss between two teeth. Form a “C” shape around the tooth and slide the floss to the gum line and back up to the crown of the tooth. Repeat this process for each tooth.

Eat a Healthy Diet

The foods you eat play a significant role in the development of cavities. You need to avoid foods and drinks that are known to cause cavities, such as those that contain high amounts of sugar and those that are acidic. In addition, eat plenty of foods that are known cavity fighters, such as those that are high in calcium.

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Your home oral care is only half of what is necessary to prevent cavities. You also need to visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups. In addition to professional cleanings, we offer preventive treatments, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants, to stop cavities before they start. We will also provide the checkups needed to quickly detect cavities while they are still small to restore the health of the teeth.

As your family dentist in Homer Glen, IL, we want to see your teeth stay cavity-free. As Halloween approaches, use it as an opportunity to make changes to your oral health with these easy cavity prevention tips.