Introduction
Hallowe’en is a treat for children … but it can be nightmare for teeth! All those sugary treats can cause cavities to form. Now is a great time to talk dental care with everyone in your house.
Your mouth is the gate to your body. Taking care of your mouth and teeth prevents cavities, infections, gum disease, oral pain and lost teeth, and also affect your physical health
If you have tender or bleeding gums, tooth pain, chronic mouth infections or other oral health issues, see your dentist immediately. Research shows that there is a direct association between oral disease and other health problems such as diabetes, pneumonia, heart disease and stroke.
There’s a lot you can do to prevent oral problems from occurring, and to build and maintain healthy teeth and gums - and a healthy body. Below you will find information on some of the common problems that can affect your teeth and gums, the steps you can take to ensure good oral health, and how to care for children’s teeth.
Oral diseases
Recognizing and understanding oral diseases can help you prevent them, and also help you detect them when they do occur. Like many other conditions, early detection and treatment can lead to a more successful outcome.
Cavities
Sugar is one of the main causes of dental problems, which is why Hallowe’en is so hard on teeth! Sugar from food mixes with bacteria (germs) in the mouth, and a mild acid is formed. This acid attacks the hard, outer layer of a tooth (the enamel), which eventually softens, and a cavity is formed. A cavity is a hole in the tooth that develops when the enamel is damaged.
The damage that sugar does depends both on the amount of sugar in the mouth and on the length of time it stays in the mouth. The more often sugar touches your teeth, and the longer it stays there, the more damage it does. This is why regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is so important.
Untreated cavities can cause dental pain and, eventually, the loss of the tooth. Young children can develop Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD), which generally affects the front four teeth and can lead to pain, speech problems and orthodontic problems. Both adults and children should follow proper tooth care and see the dentist regularly - especially if there is any pain in the teeth or mouth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. The gums become inflamed when plaque – a thin, sticky substance that forms on the teeth – builds up.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into gum disease. Gum disease is a common condition that develops slowly. It is an inflammation of the gums, bones and tissues that surround and support the teeth, and if left untreated it can cause tooth loss.
You can prevent gingivitis and gum disease from occurring by brushing the teeth and gums to remove the plaque. Plaque that is not removed can become tartar, which can contribute to periodontal disease, a more serious form of gum disease.
It is important to check your teeth and gums and see you dentist regularly. Gingivitis and gum disease can be hard to detect in their early stages. Look for these warning signs:
- red, shiny, sore, puffy or sensitive gums,
- pain in the gum area
- bleeding when you brush or floss,
- persistent bad breath.
Bruxism
Bruxism refers to a common condition that affects many adults and children: the habit of grinding, gnashing, clenching or grating the teeth. It can occur while asleep or awake – but many people don’t know they have the condition because they do it while sleeping. The exact cause is unknown, though most experts believe it is a response to psychological stress.
Signs and symptoms can vary from mild and irritating to serious. They include:
- tooth sensitivity, tooth wear, tooth fractures and loose teeth,
- headaches, facial or jaw pain,
- making the sounds of clenching or grating teeth while sleeping.
There are a wide variety of treatments for bruxism – from mouth guards to relaxation therapy – so talk your dentist for evaluation and to discuss treatment options.
Oral cancer
The mouth and gums can be the site of cancer, the abnormal growth and spread of cells. Risk factors for oral cancer include age, gender, diet, smoking and drinking:
- people over the age of 50 have a higher risk,
- men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women,
- a diet low in fruits and vegetables is a risk factor,
- the consumption of cigarettes and alcohol increases risk.
Oral cancer can be successfully treated if caught early. See your dentist if you notice any of the warning signs, which include:
- sores in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks,
- dark red or white patches in the mouth,
- lumps on the lips, tongue or neck,
- bleeding in the mouth,
- sore throat or difficulty with swallowing,
- numbness or tingling.
Prevention and maintenance
Taking good care of your teeth and gums will not only give you a brilliant smile, it will prevent serious problems from developing and contribute to your overall health and wellness. Here are the most important things you need to do to achieve dental health.
1. Brush and floss your teeth every day. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste, which is recommended by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). For detailed information on how to brush and floss, please visit the CDA website.
2. See your dentist. Regular checkups and professional cleanings will ensure that dental problems are prevented, or detected at an early stage, before they become serious.
3. Check your mouth. Become familiar with the signs and symptoms of gum disease, bruxism and oral cancer and regularly check inside your mouth, your gums and your teeth for any changes.
4. Watch your diet. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for both your general health and your dental health. Nutritious foods help prevent oral cancer, gum disease and cavities. Follow Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and cut down on sweets. Choose healthy snacks, drink water between meals, cut back on tea and coffee and read labels - many foods contain sugar and other sweet substances such as glucose, fructose, honey, molasses and maple syrup.
When you do eat sweets, avoid sticky sweets that cling to teeth, and eat sweets with a meal, not as a snack. Brush your teeth after eating sweets, or at least rinse your mouth with water or eat fibrous fruit or raw vegetables. The objective is to dilute and wash away as much sugar as possible so it doesn’t stick to teeth.
5. Follow a healthy lifestyle. Don’t smoke or chew tobacco and reduce alcohol consumption. Tobacco can contribute to gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer; alcohol increases oral cancer risk. Use UV protection on your lips when out in the sun.
Caring for children’s teeth
As a care-provider, you have an important role to play in caring for young children’s teeth, and teaching them proper dental care. Teaching good oral hygiene habits, which includes good eating habits and daily cleaning of the mouth, should start early.
Start cleaning your child’s mouth even before the first tooth. Plaque can develop and lead to Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD). Use a soft baby brush or clean, damp wash cloth to wipe your baby’s teeth and gums. Do not use toothpaste until your child has teeth. Brush your child’s teeth until about the age he or she can write – not print – his or her own name. For detailed instructions on how to care for your child’s teeth, please visit Dental care for children.
Use only a very small amount of toothpaste - about the size of a pea - especially before your child is six years old. Children under three should have their teeth brushed by an adult, using only a smear of toothpaste. Use toothpaste with fluoride, but make sure your child does not swallow it – excessive swallowing of toothpaste by young children may lead to dental fluorosis. Please read the CDA’s Fluoride FAQ for their position on fluorides.
The CDA encourages the assessment of infants by a dentist within six months after the first tooth appears, or by the age of one. A check-up every six months will allow the dentist to catch problems early, before they develop. After all the child’s teeth have come in, the dentist can determine if an orthodontist is needed.
Sugar is the cause of cavities, so limit the amount of refined sugar your child eats. Natural sugars are found in many healthy foods, so it is important to give you child water to drink between meals and to ensure your child’s teeth are brushed at least twice a day – night time brushings are especially important.
Keep small, healthy snacks on hand, such as carrot sticks, cheese cubes, small fruits, small boxes of cereal (not the sugary kind) and packages of nuts and seeds. If you do serve sweets, serve them with meals, and do not give you child sugar-rich foods that stay in the mouth for a long time, such as lollipops, gum, toffee and fruit leather.
Teeth whitening
Although teeth are not naturally white, many people today are using teeth whitening systems to brighten their smiles. You can have teeth whitening performed by a dentist, or you can buy an over-the-counter kit. Home tooth whitening kits use similar bleaching ingredients as those used by a dentist, but at a lesser strength. Recent studies show that home tooth whitening products are not harmful when used as directed, however, you should not use the product for more than 14 days and no more often than once every six months. Visit Health Canada to read more about the safety of teeth whitening.
The CDA recommends that you consult with your dentist before using a tooth whitening system to determine the cause of the discolouration and to discuss the best treatment options.
Hallowe’en safety
Hallowe’en is a special time for children and to help ensure that your child has a safe and happy one, the CDA has prepared a Hallowe’en safety checklist.
Give your child a hearty meal before sending them out trick-or-treating to discourage snacking on candy. Bring all candy home to inspect it before allowing your child to eat it. Limit the number of times per day your child eats candy and other sugary snacks, and encourage teeth brushing afterwards, to prevent plaque build-up and the development of cavities.
And have a safe and happy Hallowe’en!
Resources
Ontario Dental Association
Canadian Dental Association
Health Canada – Healthy living
EatRight Ontario