Halloween is around the corner, which means you and your kids will likely be enjoying a lot of sugary treats! But did you know too many could be a factor in the onset of periodontal disease? In today’s blog, your Brooklyn, NY, periodontist and dental implant expert talks about disease-prevention during the spooky season.
The Link Between Sugar and Periodontal Disease
How does sugar cause issues with your overall gum health? When we eat lots of sweets, particularly sticky kinds that contain caramel and gummy ingredients, these can cling to the teeth or become caught between them. As bacteria break down and consumes these particles, this elevates oral acidity and also coats the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque, which hardens into tartar eventually., These layers cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone, and can irritate and inflame the gums to cause periodontal disease. Without treatment, this disease could eventually reach a stage known as periodontitis, which is linked to adult tooth loss.
Protecting Gums During Halloween
During this time of year, we often snack on our favorite Halloween candies and treats, and enjoy special holiday drinks like pumpkin spice coffees, which also contain high amounts of sugar. This increased sugar consumption could be linked to a higher risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. But you can help protect your smile. First, make sure you continue to brush and floss daily to help remove these particles and limit plaque and tartar buildup during Halloween and throughout the holiday season. After all, Thanksgiving and Christmas are also sources of sugar and starch intake. Try to limit how many sweets you eat each day and reserve them for just after a meal, when increased saliva production helps remove sugar particles., You can also drink a glass of water with your meal to help rinse your smile.
We can Help!
If you have noticed your gums feel sore, appear redder than usual, or that they bleed easily when you brush and floss, then this could indicate gingivitis or even the early stages of periodontal disease. If this happens, let us know! When will examine your smile to see if you need treatment, and offer care tailored to your smile, so we can manage the issue and keep your smile healthy and whole. From scaling and root planings to laser dentistry, we can offer care to keep your smile intact.
If you have any questions about avoiding periodontal disease during the Halloween and holiday season, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your Gum Treatment with Brooklyn Periodontics
Our team wants to help you smile with confidence and avoid periodontal disease and tooth loss. For more information on periodontic treatment, then please call Brooklyn Periodontics & Implantology in Brooklyn, NY at (718) 444-3800 today.
