Its not just candy that gives you cavities.
You need three things to get a dental cavity (dental decay):
1. Bacteria in the form of plaque — the whitish looking thing you see on your teeth,
2. An acidic environment — which occurs when the bacteria acts on carbohydrates, and
3. A susceptible host.
When we eat just about anything, especially carbohydrates that break down to sugars, we create an environment that essentially can promote tooth decay. The problem is that plaque is very sticky and therefore keeps the acids stuck to the teeth. You add that to an individual that does not brush often and you have a recipe for disaster. The result is a cavity and then out comes the dreaded drill in the dental office. So if you've ever heard anyone say "how can I have a cavity? I don’t eat any candy!" this is how it can happen.
We recommend eating a well balanced diet and limiting the frequency of snacking. Constant snacking provides an environment of constant acid attack, which again combined with an individual that does not brush often . . . well you know the rest.
So, here are my tips for parents and children when you get home with the gigantic Halloween bag full of candy:
1. Go through the bag and pick out a few pieces of your favorite candy
2. Give the rest of the bag away
3. Start a Halloween tradition of brushing and flossing together after enjoying the candy.
Remember, children imitate their parents and what a fabulous habit to pick up from you. If they ask for the floss, give it to them, even if you don’t think that they are ready for it. When they are ready for flossing, it will not be such a hard sell.
Enjoy the time with the kids and remember it is not just candy that can give you a cavity. The key is to brush 2 to 3 times a day to remove accumulating plaque and floss to remove plaque in between your teeth. With your help, we will raise a generation of children that do not know what a drill is in the dental office. As the holiday approaches, be safe, have fun and if you have questions, call 914-737-2838. My motto: everything in moderation.
