Caring for your Teeth over Easter
Easter is fast approaching, as are the sweet treats! Whilst we all love snacking on chocolate or lolly, our teeth don’t enjoy it quite as much. Here’s some advice to make the most of the Easter holiday without completely giving up on the sweets.
Avoid Sticky or Hard Candies
If you have braces, this is an important one to remember. As tempting as the lollies may be, you should avoid hard lollies, they can damage your braces and teeth! They take longer to dissolve, and settle on and in-between your teeth, potentially causing cavities, especially if you aren’t able to brush your teeth afterwards. Try to instead indulge in chocolates, not only are they delicious, but they’re much softer and more gentle on your teeth and braces. In fact, in moderation, some chocolate can even be good for you! Cocoa beans have compounds that can prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth, helping combat tooth decay. They also contain theobromine which helps harden your tooth enamel. So select chocolate with plenty of cocoa, your teeth might even thank you.
Enjoy your Candy all at Once
We aren’t telling you to eat all of your sweets in one sitting, but reducing the times that you’re eating them is better for your teeth as opposed to frequently having small bits throughout the day. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria on your teeth then create harmful acids, which soften the enamel on your teeth. It takes about 30 minutes for this acid to be neutralised, so frequent snacking means this process is constantly underway, exposing your teeth to acidic conditions. Try eating your sweets after a meal to allow your teeth enough time for neutralising.
Wait before Brushing your Teeth
As mentioned before, it takes about 30 minutes for the acid to be neutralised after eating, so you should wait at least 30 minutes after eating your Easter treats before brushing your teeth. If not, you could cause more harm than good.
Drink Plenty of Water
Not only is water great for your health but it also helps rinse out your mouth after eating. So whether it’s a meal or a sugary snack, you should have a glass of water afterwards to help remove food particles and lower your risk of tooth decay
Regular Check-ups and Cleaning
Finally, it’s important to be visiting your orthodontist frequently so they can check in on your braces and make sure they didn’t get damaged during the sugary holiday!