Trick or Teeth: Sugar Consumption is the Scariest Thing about Halloween

Online, October 30, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Ghosts, goblins and monsters sneaking out in the night aren't nearly as frightening as cavities and decaying teeth, according to the dentists at 6 Day Dental and Orthodontics. Following the surge of candy intake, 6 Day dentists prepare for the aftermath of the Halloween sugar explosion and the severe effects that recurrent sugar consumption have on children's teeth.

Dental disease is the number one chronic disease of early childhood. It can be painful and affect children's nutritional intake and early development. More than 51 million hours of school time are lost each year in the U.S., according to the American Dental Education Association. Yet, most tooth decay is preventable since it is caused by sugars left in a child's mouth and quickly turned into an acid by bacteria -- which is what eventually breaks down a child's teeth. A recent federally funded "Smile Survey" revealed that nearly 60 percent of elementary school-aged children suffer from preventable dental decay, and nearly 25 percent suffer from cavities in seven or more teeth.

Avoid letting children graze because it increases the exposure of teeth to sugar. Monitor how much candy your children eat. Permitting them to eat a few small pieces in one sitting followed by drinking a glass of water or a thorough tooth brushing is an effective way to combat the effects of sugary candy. "However, nothing can substitute for a visit to the dentist for a healthy check-up," said Dr. Bond, Founder and CEO of 6 Day. "While many parents feel the dentist might not be affordable, especially now, just look for a practice that is part of your insurance provider's in-network group. 6 Day is in-network with most major dental providers.

With five locations in Allen, Coppell, Flower Mound, Plano/Frisco and Roanoke/Keller, 6 Day Dental & Orthodontics is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers full service dental care, including cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and periodontics.