Now that the Halloween festivities are over there is likely far more candy in all of our households than any other time of the year. With all those sweets and the impending holiday baking looming this is a good time to remind your children of the importance of oral hygiene and be familiar with the signs of dental caries or cavities. We certainly do not want oral discomfort or required dental work to get in the way of eating our favorite holiday treats!
Dental Caries Causes and Symptoms
Tooth decay is a common disorder, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults, but it can affect anyone. Tooth decay is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people so it is particularly important to monitor our children’s oral hygiene and health.
The mouth is filled with bacteria that reacts with food that is eaten. Certain foods with significant amounts of sugar and starch turn into acids. Bacteria, acid, food pieces, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating. If it is not removed, tooth decay will begin.
Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods because they remain on the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth. So, during this time of enjoyable overindulgence it will pay off to be diligent about brushing teeth after meals and snacks.
Symptoms
: There may be no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include:
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Tooth pain or achy feeling, particularly after sweet or hot or cold foods and drinks
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Visible pits or holes in the teeth
Serious Symptoms and Complications:
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Discomfort or pain
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Fractured tooth
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Inability to bite down on tooth
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Tooth abscess
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Tooth sensitivity
Tips for Prevention
Effective toothbrushing at least twice a day is necessary to prevent cavities. When combined with professional cleaning (every 6 months) and daily flossing prevention is at its best! It can be difficult to ensure children are brushing their teeth correctly so here are some tips to improve tooth brushing at home.
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Use a timer to ensure brushing lasts at least 2 minutes
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Brush your teeth with your children so you can supervise and demonstrate effective brushing.
It is best to eat chewy, sticky foods (such as dried fruit or candy) as part of a meal rather than alone as a snack. If possible, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after eating these foods. Another tip is to limit snacking, since it creates a constant supply of acid in your mouth.
Enjoy all this season has to bring and stay safe in your travels!
