Post-Halloween can be just as spooky when you head to the dentist and realize you may have indulged in too much candy this year. From chocolate to sour candy, to caramel, to peanut butter, the delicious candy you stock up on during the holiday can have some severe effects on your teeth. From cavities to plaque buildup, things can get scary in your mouth, and that is why it is essential to visit the dentist sometime in November. 

Sugar is a huge problem when it comes to tooth decay, and this has been proven repeatedly. After eating foods that contain sugar, like candy, the molecules combine with saliva and bacteria present in the mouth. This combination leads to plaque buildup, which oftentimes leads to cavities. 

Sticky candies like gummies, Skittles, and Tootsie Rolls take more time to chew and can stick to and between your teeth. The longer candy stays in your mouth, the easier it is for the candy’s bacteria causing sugars to cause tooth decay and cavities. Sour candies, like Sour Patch Kids, are too acidic and can dissolve tooth enamel. Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers are especially dangerous because they can sit on your mouth for an extended period and can crack and break your teeth. Chocolate is the least harmful to your teeth, and dark chocolate has tooth decay fighting antioxidants, but many people do not find dark chocolate as tasty!

Some ways you can help your teeth after Halloween is getting your teeth cleaned by the professionals and removing all of the plaque, as well as getting a fluoride treatment on your teeth. Fluoride can help provide extra protection from tooth decay and cavities. If you already have cavities from Halloween, your dentist can fill them to prevent further tooth decay.

Overall, it is imperative to schedule a visit to the dentist after Halloween. We are all guilty of indulging in way too much candy at times but it is essential to protect our smiles. At Cakmes Dental Studio, we are happy to see patients for regular teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and taking care of cavities. Visit our website today to schedule an appointment! 

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan decreed a day for ice cream and his proclamation for the dairy industry in America. Every third Sunday in July is when all Americans celebrate their love for ice cream on National Ice Cream Day. At Cakmes Dental, we love our ice cream, don’t get us wrong, although we must warn you what happens if you don’t keep your teeth clean when you indulge in the frosty treat. Cavities are the number one disease in your teeth that comes from sugar. Cavities are preventable, so here are a few ways to keep your teeth clean and healthy from the sugars in your favorite dessert.

Space out the Sweets

When you eat sweets, such as ice cream, the pH level in your mouth drops, making it more acidic. Acid is not suitable for your tooth enamel, and the bacteria associated with cavity formation thrive in acidic conditions. A healthy mouth is overwhelmed if it has to defend against acid attack multiple times a day, which is why you should limit the number of times you eat sweets throughout the day. At Cakmes Dental, we fully support eating ice cream during a designated time of the day: Dessert Time! 

Swish Your Teeth With Water

Establishing healthy habits after consuming lots of sugar will help your teeth significantly. If you swish water in your mouth after eating sugar, it will help clean your teeth, but do not scrub your tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth immediately after eating sugar can weaken your enamel from the acid attacks.

Don’t Eat Your Ice Cream in Bed

Nights of sleep and sweets do not mix. Late-night eating before bed poses its threat to tooth enamel. If you eat sweets right before bed, you increase a risk that your saliva won’t adequately rebalance your mouth, and cavities can be created from bacteria. Make sure you eat your ice cream before falling asleep and do not brush your teeth too soon after eating your ice cream! Timing is everything.

For National Ice Cream Day, check out if there are any specials at your local ice cream parlor, or try to make your own ice cream. Make sure to schedule teeth cleaning with us at Cakmes Dental to ensure you don’t have any cavities. Head to our website for more information.

Getting your teeth cleaned by a professional every 6 months is very important to your oral health. The benefits extend beyond catching cavities and polishing your smile. Check out the reasons why we think a dental checkup every 6 months is crucial for everyone. 

Stain Removal

The process of professional cleaning removes the build-up on teeth that holds and causes stains. Plus, with the use of our advanced technology, old existing stains you thought were permanent can be removed during the polishing process. Keep in mind, however, the younger stains are, the closer they are to the surface of your teeth. Therefore, it is easier for stains to be removed during the cleaning process if you see a dentist twice a year.   

Preventative Measures

Waiting to go to the dentist when your tooth pain or gum inflammation is unbearable can be very risky to your health. When you get in the routine of visiting your dentist every 6 months, it is much more likely that issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities can be taken care of before they pose a serious threat to your oral health. 

Plaque and Tartar Removal

During a routine cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove excess plaque and tartar that have built up around your teeth over time. Did you know that plaque and tartar can actually lead to tooth decay if not properly and thoroughly removed? It is very important to visit your dentist’s office for this step of the cleaning process, as it can only be done by a professional.

A Check-Up On Other Health Problems

Consider your 6-month visit to the dentist a portion of your annual checkup with your primary physician. Your dentist can discover other issues related to your overall health based on the effect it has on your oral health. Some conditions your dentist can detect are diabetes, oral cancer, heart problems, acid reflux, osteoporosis, dry mouth, and eating disorders.

It’s Included in Your Insurance

If you have dental insurance, your dental coverage typically includes 2 visits to the dentist every year for a checkup and cleaning. Don’t let your insurance go to waste – take advantage of what you already pay for! 

If you are overdue for a routine cleaning and check-up, contact Cakmes Dental Studio at (865) 584-6163 to schedule an appointment, or visit our website to request an appointment. We look forward to meeting you, and we can’t wait to get your teeth in tip-top shape!