From a mug of hot cocoa in January to an ice cream cone on a hot summer day, sweet treats can be enjoyed all year round. All that sugar, however, can cause serious damage to your smile if you’re not careful. Fortunately, eating chocolate, ice cream, candy, and other sugary foods doesn’t automatically mean you will get cavities. Here are some tips from a dentist in Lakeville for avoiding tooth decay when you have a sweet tooth.
Brush Your Teeth Often
If you consume a lot of sweets, you may experience more plaque buildup than the average person. For that reason, you should carry a portable or disposable toothbrush with you at all times. A portable toothbrush can come in handy, especially if you travel a lot for work. They allow you to pop into the restroom and quickly brush your teeth after eating a sugary dessert or snack. Many disposable toothbrushes even come with built-in toothpaste!
Supercharge Your Toothbrush
Consider investing in an electric toothbrush to protect your teeth from plaque buildup. An electric toothbrush can oscillate thousands or even tens of thousands of times per minute. Meanwhile, a person can only perform around 300 strokes per minute on average when brushing by hand. That’s a big difference! All those extra strokes help thoroughly remove harmful plaque from teeth in less time than a traditional toothbrush.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Sometimes chewing on gum can help satisfy sweet tooth cravings. Chewing gum also increases saliva production, which washes away sugar and bacteria from your teeth. If you’re a frequent gum-chewer, be sure to opt for the sugar-free variety.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash does more than just make your breath smell minty fresh. Rinsing daily with mouthwash fights cavities and gum disease by washing away bacteria left behind even after brushing and flossing. In addition, mouthwashes containing fluoride can even help remineralize your teeth.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated by sipping on water throughout the day can boost your oral health in multiple ways. First, drinking plenty of water helps replenish your saliva and prevent dry mouth, a condition that increases the risk of tooth decay. Water also washes away food particles and bacteria after eating. Finally, most tap water these days contains fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that protects teeth from decay and reduces acid-related enamel wear.
Visit a Dentist
Visiting a dentist for a dental exam and cleaning every six months is a key way to maintain a healthy smile. Regular preventive checkups allow your dentist in Lakeville to detect minor issues before they can worsen and become a big problem. In addition, only a dental professional using special tools can remove hardened tartar from teeth.
By taking proactive steps at home and visiting a dentist twice a year, you can indulge your sweet tooth without worrying too much about tooth decay. Hooray!
About the Author
Dr. Minh-Phuong Bui has over 15 years of experience helping her patients maintain healthy smiles. A proud graduate of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, she offers a full range of preventive dental services at Southeastern Dental Care. To learn more about how to avoid tooth decay, visit the Southeastern Dental Care website or call 508-947-5717.