On the year’s most romantic holiday, the most popular gift to bestow your sweetheart is sweets. Here are a few tips from your local dentist to satisfy your sweetheart without compromising their oral health.
Dark Chocolate & Teeth
Dark chocolate is known for being the “healthier” option, it contains less sugar than milk chocolate. Studies have shown Cocoa contains valuable nutrients and minerals that may help prevent cavities and decrease the risk of tooth decay. Unlike sticky candies, dark chocolate easily dissolves in your mouth, allowing the chocolate to wash off your teeth.
Consider these additional tips for maintaining good oral health during this upcoming sweet holiday:
Brush immediately
Brushing soon after eating candy helps avoid plaque and acid formation from sugar. If a toothbrush & toothpaste are not available at that time you can simply swish and rinse teeth thoroughly using water. Also using mouthwash is another temporary solution to help avoid tooth decay.
Avoid hard and sticky candy.
Sweets with higher sugar content cling longer on your teeth, causing harmful effects to your oral health. The faster it dissolves, the less time it takes to rinse away leftover sugar debris. Hard candy can chip or even break your teeth.
It is recommended to choose softer foods that provide plenty of nutrients and minerals and are not just sugar chunks. On the other hand, sticky candy can get stuck between teeth and gums, making it harder to remove. Such candies are not easily broken down with your saliva (at times, not even with brushing), staying in your mouth for an unhealthy amount of time.
Make it a one-time event
From an oral health perspective, having sweet treats in one sitting (and then brushing) is better than munching on candy for the entire day, making it more likely for bacteria to produce acid that causes tooth decay.
Moderation is key
The more sugar you have, the risk increases for tooth decay. When considering oral health, limiting sugar consumption is the ideal solution for all. In addition, it is also helpful to avoid extra sugar content that is not naturally found in your food or diet!
As previously mentioned, dark chocolate is the healthier option, although excess consumption is menacing for overall health. Being high in calories, it is recommended to eat one to two ounces of dark chocolate in a day to achieve the best oral hygiene.
Reduce exposure time
Even though the oral damage varies for each candy, it is never a good idea to eat an excessive amount. Choosing candies that quickly dissolve and melt away limits the amount of sugar exposure in your mouth.
Instead of sugar straws or lollipops, sugar-free candies are a better option for oral health. Plain dark chocolates are preferable over milk chocolates with a sugary filling like cherry or caramel!
Bottom Line
Valentine is the time for celebrating sentimental moments with your significant other. Also, your teeth need extra love and attention to help combat the sweets. Keep your smile bright and white by selecting healthier options, while still your satisfying cravings.
