Chocolate and love have an enticing fragrance. Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it, and lots of chocolate will be available. Store candy aisles have expanded to include everything from big chocolate hearts to sticky gummy pleasures. As we eat our way through sweet delicacies until the last Easter Peep is gone, Valentine’s Day appears to be the unofficial start of months of sugar binges.
Don’t get us wrong. Delicacies are also something we enjoy. If we didn’t also warn you about the effects of sugar on your child’s (and your) teeth, we wouldn’t be your favorite Mansfield TX Orthodontist. Don’t be alarmed, though. You can rest assured that we’ll be there for you. We’ll show you which Valentine’s Day candy is best for your teeth and how to limit your sugar intake.
Cavities arise when bacteria in your mouth turn sugar into acid, destroying your teeth’s enamel. The result of this degeneration is tooth decay and cavities.
Just like any other meal, sugar coats your teeth and gums. Saliva will assist with some of it, but not all of it…especially the sticky, chewy, gummy stuff. Suckers and hard sweets are also difficult on your teeth since they stay in your mouth for a long time and repeatedly press on the same teeth. Sugar feeds oral microbes, which can lead to tooth decay if left on the teeth for too long.
We recognize that we won’t be able to persuade everyone to give up candy, but we can encourage our parents to set limits and make informed decisions. The sort of sweets offered and the time they are given are both crucial. We don’t want to take anything away from the fun. All we care about is not getting cavities as a result of all the fun! So, how can you decide which Valentine’s Day goodies are the most tooth-friendly?
1) Choose the right treats for the occasion. Soft chocolates melt quickly and are easy to remove off teeth, making them the best choice. Sticky, hard, or gummy confectionery that stays on your teeth for a long time should be avoided.
2) Candy should only be eaten after a meal as a dessert. This will not only increase your chances of drinking water and draining some of the sugar from your system, but it will also prevent sugar from bombarding your teeth throughout the day.
3) Hydrate. Drink plenty of water after each snack to assist the sugar leave your system. Staying hydrated also helps with saliva production, which is vital for eliminating sugar and bacteria and maintaining oral health.
4) After a few minutes, brush and floss your teeth. It’s a good idea to brush your teeth after a sugary meal. Washing teeth that have been damaged by acid attacks, which happen every time you eat, is not recommended. Brushing after half an hour allows minerals to re-deposit on the enamel and the pH of your mouth to restore to normal.
5) Sealants. Dental sealants are an age-old cavity-prevention method that coats teeth with a thin, protective covering that keeps bacteria and food out. Sugar and bacteria are kept out of molar fissures and other hard-to-reach places of the teeth by sealants.
6) Don’t forget about the foods that aren’t sweet. We’re not saying you can’t have candy hearts and chocolate to celebrate, but make sure candy isn’t the main prize. Remember that there is no such thing as the best Valentine’s Day candy for your teeth. We are all human beings, regardless of the situation. Every now and then, we all like a piece of chocolate or sweets. Keep in mind that Valentine’s Day is just one day, not a whole month!