Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Keep Your Little Ghosts and Goblins' Teeth Healthy this Halloween

Don't be spooked this Halloween season.  Take this opportunity to establish healthy habits for those trick-or-treaters and keep those tiny teeth healthy.  Here are some tips recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.


  • Establish Healthy Habits- Parents who take care of their own oral health will instill proper life-long lessons for their children.
  • Brush Before and After- Tooth decay and cavities occur when sugar reacts to bacteria and dental plaque.  Brushing before and after candy consumption reduces the amount of bacteria and plaque on teeth.  
  • Help Your Kids Brush- Most children under the age of 8 are not ready to brush on their own.
  • Monitor Candy Consumption- Limit the amount of candy kids eat.  Consider providing a treat with or after a meal.
  • Limit Hard Candy- Encourage kids to eat candy that melt quickly and try to avoid gooey or chewy candy that linger in the mouth which increases their cavity risk.
  • Fluoride and Flossing- Fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay by as much as 50%, and flossing may help prevent gum disease and tooth decay in between teeth.  Teach children to brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss once a day as soon as the first two teeth come into contact.  
  • Don't Be Afraid of the Dentist- With all of the sweet treats consumed around Halloween, now is a great time for parents and caregivers to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for their children.  Children should visit the dentist every six months for a check-up to avoid dental problems and keep smiles healthy. 

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Welcome to Preferred Dental Practice! Our elite team of general dentists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons provide quality care and work together to customize a treatment solution for you and your child's needs.  We understand the importance of time management.  Our office can provide expanded dental services from implants to braces, sedation dentistry and treating patients with special needs in one location.  Please use this blog as a resource for oral health information and discover what is new at our office.