I am very pleased with my services from the staff at 7 O’Clock Dental and Dr. Tripp. The office is very clean and I was welcomed by Crystal at the front desk that made me at ease. I had a tooth that needed to be removed and I was extremely nervous about the procedure, but Dr. Tripp assured me that I would be fine. He removed the tooth and I could not believe it when he told me he was done. It was painless and extremely quick. I would recommend 7 O’Clock Dental to anyone seeking dental treatment.
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You probably already keep up with your kids’ regular dental checkups to protect them from dental problems. But this time of year gives parents an extra challenge. That’s because it’s almost Halloween, and their sugar intake is likely to go into overdrive!
Our team at 7 O’Clock Dental will do all we can to keep your family’s smiles safe all year round with our preventive dentistry services. One of the ways we can help is with today’s blog!
We’re giving you some helpful hints on surviving the candy season so your kids’ teeth and gums remain strong and healthy.
The Scary Bacteria Monster
It’s nothing new to talk about the dangers of too much sugar when it comes to healthy teeth. But maybe there isn’t enough being said about why too much sugar can be harmful to your oral health.
It has to do with the bad bacteria that live in your mouth. Bacteria feeds on the sugar left behind from everything you take in, so naturally, the more sugar you consume, the better chance that bacteria has to feast and multiply!
Here are just a few of the dental problems you can face when that happens:
-Tooth Decay & Cavities
-Oral Infections
-Weakening Of Tooth Enamel
-Gum Disease
We know it’s the season to celebrate all things scary, but problems with your family’s oral health is never something to celebrate! But that’s where Dr. Tripp can help!
Routine Dental Cleanings & Exams Can Help!
Dr. Tripp loves when kids come to visit our New Orleans dental office for routine checkups! They don’t just keep it fun, but we love making sure their teeth and gums are healthy and helping them build good lifelong dental habits.
One of the ways to do that is with dental cleanings and exams. Only a professional has the skills and the tools to effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup that lead to tooth decay, cavities, infections, and gum disease. By scheduling your child’s next dental cleaning, you’re giving them the best chance to keep these problems at bay despite the extra sugar they’re sure to get from Halloween candy!
More Tips On A Safe Halloween Smile!
Don’t Let Kids Snack On Candy All Through The Day!
It’s tempting to leave the candy bowl out on the kitchen counter and snack on it all day. But that’s definitely not good for you or your child’s teeth! We recommend keeping the Halloween candy hidden and being the one in control of when and how much your child eats each day.
Stay Away From The Sticky Stuff!
Sticky candy like caramel and taffy might be delicious, but they’re the worst when it comes to the type of candy for your teeth. No matter how thoroughly you chew it up, pieces of all that sticky, stringy candy will inevitably get stuck to the hard-to-reach places in your mouth and make it really hard to get your teeth completely clean.
Reserve Candy For An After Dinner Treat
For the same reason you shouldn’t leave the candy bowl out to reduce temptation, it’s best to reserve candy for those times after you and your child have had a balanced, healthy meal. Halloween candy is good, but all those empty calories are a poor substitute for healthier snacks and meals. Also, your kids aren’t as hungry if they’ve eaten lunch or dinner beforehand, so they’re likely to eat less of the sweet stuff!
Don’t Forget To Drink Water
Saliva is one of your body’s best natural defenses against dental problems. That’s because it gives your tooth enamel a protective coating so harmful bacteria and acids can’t penetrate. So make sure you and your family are getting plenty of water each day.
It’s also helpful to rinse your mouth with water after you eat candy to keep your teeth and gums cleaner throughout the day.
Above all, don’t forget to call 7 O’Clock Dental to schedule your family’s next dental cleaning and exam! Give us call at 504-266-0664 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.