Because California has so many fresh fruits and sunny days, it can be hard for many people to avoid the urge to eat sweets. From rich desserts at top restaurants to fruity candies in shops on the beach, these treats make our mouths water and make us want more.
What does it do to our white teeth, though? If we want something sweet, can we do it without hurting our teeth? Yes, definitely, but you have to find a fine line between being able to enjoy and being committed to good mouth health. And if you are indulging, make sure to also schedule regular appointments with your San Jose dentist!
How sugar works, according to science?
If you have sugar in your mouth, bacteria in the mouth will break down food and make acids that wear away tooth enamel. This can cause cavities, sensitive teeth, and tooth loss over time. To keep this from happening, we should eat sugar-free foods, while still loving our favorite treats.
Your first line of defense is to brush and floss your teeth
Even if you like sweets, you need to take care of your mouth every day for a good smile. Plaque, a sticky film, is a problem that comes from eating sugar, which turns into acid.
Using fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day helps get rid of plaque and stops acid from being made. Flossing once a day gets rid of food and germs that can damage teeth and cleans areas that a toothbrush can not reach.
Smart snacking and enjoying your sweets
Choosing the right snacks can have a big effect on your oral health. Choose foods that are naturally sweet, like apples or berries. These foods are also high in carbs and vitamins. It is important to eat sweets at the right time, especially after a meal when your saliva production is high.
Saliva helps wash away bits of food and lowers the acid in your mouth. Slowly eating sweets will help you enjoy their flavor and keep sugar from damaging your teeth. This balance and time spent eating sweets can help keep your teeth healthy.
Water is the natural way to clean your mouth
Water is very important for keeping your mouth healthy. Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food bits and sugar that are still in your mouth, which lowers your risk of cavities. If you can not help but eat something sweet, swishing your mouth with water can help get rid of the sugar and quickly balance out the acidity in your mouth.
Picking the right sweets
When it comes to how they affect your teeth, not all sweets are the same. Sticky and chewy treats and sweets tend to stay on teeth longer, giving bacteria more time to break down sugar and make acids that cause cavities. Instead, choose treats that melt quickly in your mouth, like dark chocolate. It has less sugar and has been shown to help protect teeth in some ways.
Why getting regular dental checkups is important
Getting regular checkups with the dentist is important for keeping your smile healthy, especially if you like sweets. During your checkups, your dentist can look for early signs of tooth damage and treat them right away, stopping them from getting worse. Your dentist can also give you specific tips on how to take care of your teeth and suggest other ways to fight the damage that sugar does to your oral health.
Sugary treats and a healthy smile – finding the right balance
If you like sweets, it does not have to be bad for your teeth. You can enjoy your favorite treats without hurting your smile if you follow these tips and make good mouth care a priority. Always being the same is important. You can keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come by brushing your teeth well, flossing every day, eating healthy snacks, and going to the dentist for regular checks.
