Ahead of the Easter holidays, Dr Jennifer Collins, clinical director at Dental Care Ireland shares some useful tips on how to protect your family’s teeth from over-exposure to sugary snacks.
“Sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay, and although most Easter eggs contain a lot of it, there are ways to minimise the potential damage to teeth, says Dr Collins.
“When it comes to dental health, being mindful of how and when we eat sugary foods is key. By following a few simple steps, it is possible to enjoy your favourite Easter treats while also keeping cavities at bay.”
How to Protect your Family’s Teeth this Easter:
Save Easter eggs for dessert
Instead of grazing on Easter eggs throughout the day, it is better to enjoy some chocolate as dessert straight after a meal. Saliva production increases during meals, which helps to rinse away sugary food particles and can reduce the risk of cavities.
Avoid hard or sticky treats
Try to avoid treats that tend to linger in the mouth, such as hard or sticky sweets, as they will do the most damage. The dried fruit in seasonal favourites such as hot cross buns is also high in sugar and likely to stick to teeth.
Wait to brush teeth
Regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth. After eating sugary treats, however, it is best to wait 30 minutes before brushing. Some acidic foods temporarily soften your enamel, so if you brush right away, you can risk damaging your teeth.
Drink plenty of water
It is important to drink plenty of water to rinse away the sugar from Easter treats. Staying hydrated will help to dilute any acid attacks caused by sugary snacks and restore the mouth’s PH balance.
Try a mouth-cleansing snack
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples and celery will stimulate production of saliva, which in turn helps to wash away sugary foods. Alternatively, a small piece of cheese eaten after chocolate will help return the mouth to its natural acid balance.
Schedule an Easter check-up
The Easter break is a good opportunity to schedule a dental appointment if you have not already done so this year. Prevention is better than cure, and regular check-ups allow your dentist to identify any issues before complications arise.
Dr Jennifer Collins is clinical director at Dental Care Ireland, an Irish-owned network of 37 established dental practices nationwide. For further information, visit www.dentalcareireland.ie
