As the weather is getting cooler and the house is filling with holiday warmth and delicious food, now more than ever it is important not to neglect your little one’s smile. Children love the holidays, as they have an opportunity to forget about school, relax at home and play games. While the mood may be relaxed, make sure to avoid becoming too lax on oral healthcare and ways of keeping healthy at home. With that in mind, the team at Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, California wants to inform you about the potential threats to your child’s beautiful grin during the holidays.

Risk of Cavities

Most children enjoy sweets and sweet treats, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, it can be difficult not to indulge. Keep in mind, however, that excessive sugar does cause cavities and can blemish tiny smiles.

When oral bacteria inhabit a hidden recess of the mouth, such as in-between teeth or near the gum line, they begin to grow. When they come into contact with sugar, it causes them to secrete harmful acids that eat away at the enamel and healthy structure of a tooth. This then causes a hole, or cavity, and if left unattended, the cavity continues to grow larger and larger. In most circumstances, this can be treated with a simple filling to restore the structure. It is imperative to keep in mind, however, that leaving cavities alone only encourage bacteria to continue breaking down the structure and can ultimately result in decay or even tooth loss. Excessive sugar will catalyze this process as the bacteria continue to harm your little one’s grin, which is why being conscious of what they are indulging in can actually save their grin.

Practicing Healthy Habits

Along with routine checkups and examinations to ensure everything is doing well, children should continue to practice excellent habits at home such as brushing and flossing regularly to keep their smiles happy and healthy. While forgetting to brush every once in a while will not necessarily be detrimental to their oral health, maintaining the habit plays a critical function in not only getting children excited about their health, but sets them up for life-long smiles.

Ignoring the Warning Signs

If your child expresses feeling pain, aching, or sensitivity frequently, you should contact your provider immediately. While toothaches do occur, healthy teeth should not hurt and can actually be indicative of a bigger problem. If your child expresses any of the above symptoms or inflammation, contact our office.

Stay Safe During the Holidays

Thanksgiving is a time of being thankful for friends, family, and the great things in life, including food, but being conscious about oral health could be what saves your little one’s grin. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, California by calling 818-763-9353.