KCHC dentists and hygienists provide children and adults with preventive dental care and education to help patients gain lasting dental health that makes them smile.
Below are 9 tips to help keep your teeth healthy and happy all year round.
- If you’re going to eat Halloween candy do it with meals or shortly after mealtime. During meals, your saliva production increases and this helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria and rinses away food particles.
- Maintaining a healthy diet is good for your gums and teeth.
- Avoid sweet snacks because they can increase your risk for cavities and weight gain.
- Hard candy and sticky candy stay in your mouth for a long time and take longer to get washed away by saliva, which increases the risk of tooth decay.
- Drinking fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. Common brands that include fluoride include Aquafina, Crystal Geyser, Dannon, Evian, Perrier, Poland Springs, and Propel Fitness Water.
- Avoid sugary beverages that can lead to tooth decay, like soda, sports drinks, and flavored waters. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and don’t forget to change your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
- Clean between your teeth by flossing once a day. Decay-causing bacteria get between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Visit the KCHC dental team regularly to prevent problems and catch those that occur early.
Prior to Halloween, we recommend having a family discussion about the importance of dental health and a plan for all of the candy! Consider donating some candy or freezing some for later, versus binging on it all at once.
If it has been a bit since you or a family member has scheduled a dental appointment give us a call at 262-236-6112! We have dental clinics in Kenosha and Silver Lake to serve your needs, plus we accept most commercial insurance, Medicaid, state insurance, and Forward Health. Uninsured patients are welcome.
