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How to Protect Your Smile This Halloween

Protect Your Smile This HalloweenIf you think zombies, ghosts, and vampires are scary—just wait until you hear about cavities! Halloween, and the upcoming holiday season, can be a critical time for families to watch out for their dental health. Our dentists in Irving would never expect patients to completely abstain from indulging in sweets. Instead, we have tips you can use to navigate the season and reduce your risk of tooth decay.

Why Does Sugar Cause Cavities?

Every time you enjoy a sugary snack or beverage, the bacteria in your mouth will go to work trying to break down the debris that remains on your teeth, gums, and tongue. Through this process, the bacteria will emit a harmful acid that wears away at your tooth enamel—the protective barrier protecting your teeth! Worn-down enamel makes your teeth more susceptible to damage and tooth decay.

Cavity-Prevention Tips

As experienced family dentists serving Irving, TX, believe us when we say that preventing cavities is a lot more fun for patients than having them removed! Here are our suggestions.

1.Avoid the Worst Offenders: Sticky, Chewy, and Sour

Candies that are sticky, chewy, or sour tend to be the harshest on your teeth. Not only do they include loads of damaging sugar, they also tend to be more difficult to remove from your teeth. The longer sugar stays on your teeth, the more damage it will do. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with the least amount of risk, opt for sugar-free candies or chocolate (which will melt away relatively quickly).

2.Drink Lots of Water

Building a habit of following up sugary beverages and snacks with water can help prevent harmful substances from lingering in your mouth. It may not be practical to brush your teeth or swish with mouthwash after each snack attack, but rinsing with drinking water can help limit the amount of sugar that sticks around in your mouth. Making sure to stay hydrated can also help protect your teeth, as it’s much easier for bacteria to proliferate in a dry mouth.

3.Whatever You Do—Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss

Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once is a staple of any healthy dental care regimen—and absolutely critical when you’ve been indulging with sugary foods. Take the extra time to fulfill these tasks carefully, your teeth and gums will thank you for it!

Visit Our Dentists in Irving, TX

Rio Dental & Orthodontics provides a welcoming, friendly environment for patients of all ages. We provide family dental services, including preventative, restorative, pediatric, and orthodontic treatments. Contact us today with any questions you have about our practice, and book your first appointment today!

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You can play a part in preparing your child for his or her first visit to our office. Informing your child of the visit as an exciting experience for both of you can ease any hesitations. As a parent try to act relaxed, since your child may sense any anxiety on your part.

Explain to your child that the doctor will “count, brush, and maybe take pictures of their teeth”. We also ask that you assume the role of a silent observer. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between the doctor, staff, and your child and not through you. Your child may become confused if receiving instructions from multiple sources.

We recommend bringing your baby in for their first dental appointment by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing (whichever comes first). During this appointment, we will examine your baby’s mouth to track their dental development and discuss age-appropriate dental care.

It’s easy to make appointments to visit our office online or over the phone. Rio Dental sees patients both for checkups and dental emergencies. Using our online scheduler, you can select the location and time slot that works best for you for either type of appointment. If you have any questions regarding our practice, or simply prefer to make your appointment with a live member of staff, please don’t hesitate to call!

Rio Dental Group accepts most PPO insurances. We recommend that new patients and returning patients with new insurance policies reach out to us before their appointment to confirm coverage. Our Fort Worth location also sees patients who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP programs.

We don’t like surprises, either! Our staff is prepared to discuss the cost of dental services before you undergo treatment so that you know what to expect in terms of fees. The cost of your services will be due at the end of your appointment. Our office accepts payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Rio Dental Group allows patients to pay with their CareCredit card. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed to cover out-of-pocket costs at over 225,000 providers nationwide. After leaving the office, card holders will be able to make convenient monthly payments towards their balance. To learn more, visit the CareCredit website.

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    Farmers Branch

    2740 Valwood Pkwy #144
    Farmers Branch, TX 75234

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