The holiday season is filled with an abundance of sweets and treats. While these Christmas candies can be delicious, they can also pose a number of risks to your oral health. Cookies, candy canes and other desserts don’t have to lead to cavities. The naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar, leaving behind acids. Over time, these acids wear down tooth enamel which leads to weaker teeth that are more susceptible to tooth decay and gingivitis.
Snacking on sweets throughout the day can be particularly harmful to your teeth. The acid produced from these sugar packed snacks can effect teeth for up to 20 minutes after they are consumed. Brushing after snacking can help to reduce bacteria and your risks for cavities and gingivitis.
Here are our top tips for staying cavity free this holiday season:
Find a Balance
When you eat sugary snacks try to do so with a meal to reduce the impact they have on your teeth.
Avoid Sticky Sweets
Sticky sweets cling to your teeth keeping contact with your enamel. Additionally, these candies can loosen or remove fillings and crowns. Opt for items that dissolve quickly.
Keep Supplies Handy
Keeping a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in your bag, desk or car can help to keep your teeth at their best even when you are on the go.
Rinse Frequently
Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking can help to remove food particles and bacteria when brushing isn’t an option.
Brush Away
Your best defense against bacteria is frequent brushing. Brush your teeth after eating and drinking. When consuming foods that are high in acid, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to protect the enamel.