Halloween Candy: The Good and The Ghoulish

While ghosts and zombies are scary, there is something even scarier in your trick or treat bags: candy. It's almost impossible to avoid eating candy this time of year, but it doesn't have to be loaded with sugar. Here's a little information about the worst candies for your teeth and some of the better alternatives.

The Scary Sweets

Candy Corn, Candy Apples, Cookies, and Cake

Halloween would truly be scary without candy corn, candy apples, and all of the other sweet treats. While these treats may be tasty, they can and will wreak havoc on your teeth. These treats are loaded with huge amounts of sugar, which leads to tooth decay and cavities.

Sour Candies

Although sour treats may make your mouth pucker, they also can quickly destroy the enamel on teeth because of their high acidity level. In addition, you should wait at least 30 minutes for the saliva to restore the pH in your mouth before you brush. Brushing before 30 minutes have passed would simply spread the acid on a larger surface area and bolster the erosive capabilities of the acid.

Taffy, Caramel, and Sticky Sweets

Unlike other candies, gummy candies easily become lodged between teeth and in crevices. Once it's lodged in these hidden places, it becomes practically impossible for the saliva in your mouth to wash the particles away. As a result, the sugary treats will form cavities.

Not-so-scary Treats

Sugar-Free Gum

The best alternative for your teeth is sugar-free gum for two reasons:

·         It dislodges particles of food from between your teeth

·         It increases saliva production in your mouth

Saliva is instrumental for neutralizing the acids, and it will prevent those acids from eroding your teeth and causing tooth decay. Saliva also prevents mouth dryness; and when your mouth is dry, plaque is much more likely to build up at a faster rate.

Dark Chocolate

Even though dark chocolate is loaded with sugar, it wont stick to your teeth. As a result, chocolate is not such a bad option as a sweet Halloween treat.

Sugar-Free Candy

Hard candies and sugar-free candy will help your mouth to create more saliva, which is essential for a healthy, cavity-free Halloween smile that's not so scary.



So, even if you splurge on a sweet treat, remember to take care of your teeth. Brush and floss daily and don't forget to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups! Have questions or need to schedule an appointment? Contact us and we will be happy to help!

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Tips to Prevent Cavities in Infants

Parents always want the best for their babies. When it comes to oral health, cavities are the most common issue for children. Luckily there are things moms and dads can do to help prevent cavities, starting very early in an infant’s life.

In fact, your child's oral care starts even before he or she is born! The best thing a pregnant mom can do for her child's teeth is to take care of her own. Continuing with routine dental care is a safe and effective way to protect your baby’s future oral health. 

Infant Oral Health

Once born, protecting your baby's teeth and gums should become a regular routine. Cavities occur when a certain type of bacteria in the mouth builds up, causing the tooth to decay. You can remove this harmful bacteria by gently wiping your baby's gums after feedings. 

Many parents lick or suck their baby’s pacifier in their own mouths when it is dropped in an effort to clean it off before putting it back in baby’s mouth. However, this increases the risk of transferring cavity-causing bacteria from mom or dad’s mouth to the baby's. Rinsing it off with water is a better way to protect the baby’s new teeth, even before they appear.

The First Teeth

You should continue to wipe your baby's gums after meals. Once his or her first tooth appears, you can use a very small amount — the size of a grain of rice — of baby toothpaste and a soft baby toothbrush on the new teeth to get your little one used to brushing. Gentle flossing is great, too!

If your baby is old enough to hold a bottle, resist the urge to allow him or her to take a bottle to bed. Whether the bottle contains formula or breast milk, the liquid will be left sitting on your baby's teeth all night. This promotes bacterial growth that can result in cavities. You also should avoid giving your young child sugary drinks, and only offer juice in a sippy cup occasionally.

Once teeth appear, your baby should see a pediatric dentist. Call today to schedule your baby’s first appointment and let us help you make sure his or her teeth stay cavity free!

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

When you’re self-conscious about your smile, cosmetic dentistry can help. This type of dentistry aims to improve discolorations, gaps and other physical flaws in order to improve your appearance. 

It differs from conventional dentistry, which focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Services

When you see a cosmetic dentist at Kingsland Dental Group, you can discuss options for repairing or improving flaws. The service you end up needing depends on the type of flaw you’re interested in fixing. Common types of cosmetic dentistry services include the following:

Reshaping teeth. If you have teeth that are misshapen, the reshaping process can fix their appearance and make them more natural looking. Dentists do this by taking enamel away or making changes to it as needed.

Whitening teeth. If you have teeth that are discolored, such as yellowish teeth or teeth with brown stains, you can have them whitened. This procedure is typically one that takes place in the dentist’s office using a specialized teeth whitening product. You might also have the option to use a whitening kit at home. 

Bonding. If you have teeth with cracks or chips in them or teeth that are broken, bonding is a process that can cover these flaws. Bonding involves placing natural-colored materials on teeth to cover these imperfections. 

Porcelain veneers. If you have teeth that are stained or teeth that have slight flaws, porcelain veneers can effectively hide them. Veneers are coverings that go over these teeth in order to improve their appearance. 

Making crowns longer. If your smile shows more gums than teeth, one of our dentists can get rid of that extra gum tissue. This helps ensure that more of your teeth show when you smile. 

Makeovers. If you have multiple flaws that need attention, our dentist might recommend a makeover. This involves evaluating your smile and recommending a treatment plan that will improve its appearance. 

If you're interested in cosmetic dentistry, give Kingsland Dental Group a call. We offer a variety of cosmetic services that can help restore your smile and make you proud to show off those pearly whites. Visit our website to make an appointment.