Easter is always a time for sweet treats. From chocolate eggs to hot cross buns, delicious sugary treats are everywhere. We all know that sugar is bad for us and our oral health. It is therefore important to try and balance enjoying these treats and protecting the long-term oral health of you and your family.
We have put together some tips for you this Easter:
Choose your sweet treats wisely
Sticky sweets and dried fruit in hot cross buns contain a large amount of sugar. They also tend to get stuck in those hard to reach areas of your mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Therefore try choosing sweets that won’t stick to your teeth as easily, or seek our a low/no sugar alternative.
Don’t graze throughout the day
Where possible, keep your sweet treats to mealtimes. Each time we eat, our mouths are exposed to acids and bacteria, increasing our risk of decay. Therefore, by limiting sugary treats to mealtimes, we are keeping our exposure to a minimum.
Chew sugarfree gum
Chewing sugarfree gum for 15-20 minutes can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralise acidic compounds in your mouth
Stay hydrated
When your mouth is dry, it will not produce enough saliva to neutralise the acids in your mouth. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a great way to ensure your mouth is free from cavity-causing bacteria
Practice good oral hygiene
Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Ensure that you are also cleaning interdentally, using tepe brushes or floss.
Regular visits to your dentist and hygienist will ensure that you are on top of your oral health.
