Can I Eat Before My Dentist Appointment?
Most of us brush our teeth before visiting the dentist, but what else should (or shouldn't) we do before an appointment? What about eating? Should you or shouldn't you? This...
The Easter holiday is a representation of many different things. Religious observances, family gatherings, egg hunts, and Easter baskets are all hallmarks of Easter weekend. Your children likely love the Easter bunny and the delectable treats that he leaves every year, but sugary sweets can also lead to cavities.
This year, keep your family healthy by following these six tips for a cavity-free Easter.
Select Your Sweets Carefully
Limiting the consumption of sweets that are sticky or gummy is your first step towards protecting your teeth. While marshmallow Peeps, caramels, and jelly beans are all Easter bunny favorites, it’s best for your teeth to indulge with chocolate. When selecting candy, choose options that will not stick to your teeth as easily. Additionally, avoiding sweets that have a high acid compound is ideal. Sour candies that leave your tongue sensitive are also causing severe damage to the surface of your teeth.
Don’t Graze
Snacking on sweets from sun up until sun down is not only hard on your waistline, but it’s also hard on your teeth. Roughly 20 minutes after eating, the saliva in your mouth begins to neutralize the acids that are formed by the bacteria in your mouth. The more frequently you eat, the longer your tooth enamel will be exposed to cavity-causing acids. If possible, enjoy your sweets with a meal, or incorporate eating an apple or carrots after you eat something sweet. The texture of the crisp fruit helps to remove left-behind sugars and plaque.
Skip the Brushing
It may seem like a great practice to brush right after every indulgence, but experts agree that cleaning your teeth immediately after eating a starchy or sugary snack can do more harm than good. Your tooth enamel is in it’s softest state while it is under attack from the acids in your mouth. Waiting 15-20 minutes after eating to brush will allow your enamel to harden before cleaning. We recommend simply rinsing your mouth with water after eating. Rinsing your mouth helps the saliva to neutralize the PH levels inside your mouth and wash away bacteria.
Drink More Water
One of the easiest ways to prevent cavities is by drinking water; especially water with fluoride. Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter, but saliva is your body’s own way of fighting cavities. By merely drinking water, you are helping your body wash away food, and keeping your teeth strong by washing them with calcium phosphate and fluoride. Drinking water is one of the most accessible and most beneficial things you can do to help reduce your risk of tooth decay.
Mix Sugarless Gum Into the Treat Rotation
Don’t forget to include a pack or two of sugarless gum into your Easter baskets. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal or snack can help your saliva glands get to work on neutralizing the acids in your mouth. Chewing gum also helps to remove left-behind food particles from your teeth. When looking for the perfect sugar-free gum for your Easter baskets, look for gum that contains Xylitol which has been proven to help reduce cavities.
Schedule a Post-Eater Cleaning
Cavities are not an inevitable part of life. You can help your family prevent cavities just by taking a few precautions. By using these six tips for a cavity-free Easter, you can enjoy your favorite parts of the holiday while also taking great care of your teeth.
After Easter is over and the treats have been enjoyed, schedule appointments for the whole family with Hoffman Dental Care. The cleaning process will leave your teeth sparkling, while an exam ensures your teeth are as healthy as possible.
