Sweet Tooth Trouble?
If you love to eat sweets, you know that your sweet tooth can inevitably cause cavities. The good news is that you can still enjoy these treats, as long as you take good care of your teeth! This means ensuring routine dental care. You may be busy running around, but it is no excuse not to brush! You should carry a portable toothbrush with you. This way, after you indulge in a sugary treat, you can get the sugar off of your teeth without waiting for too long. The longer you leave the sugar in your mouth, the more likely bacteria will grow in your mouth and produce acids – causing cavities and tooth decay! What if you don’t have a toothbrush handy? You can also use mouthwash to remove sugar. No mouthwash? Use plain water to rinse your mouth. These options are much better than letting sugar sit on your teeth.
Another good alternative to not having a toothbrush is to chew sugar-free gum after indulging in sweets. The increased saliva production in your mouth from chewing the gum, will help to remove any sugar stuck on your teeth.
The truth is that some treats are better for your teeth than others. For example, a piece of angel cake does not have the same effects as a chocolate fudge sundae which may leave more sugar on your teeth for a longer period of time – due to its sticky nature! The best option is to substitute sweets for a fruit or a healthier alternative when possible!
For more questions about protecting your teeth, contact us at our dental office in Calgary!
