Halloween is approaching and that means our houses are going to be stocked full of candy once again! This might sound like a dream come true, but it can actually be a real nightmare for your teeth and your smile.
It probably comes as no surprise that sugar is pretty bad for your teeth. Why? Well, your mouth is actually full of hundreds of bacteria (it sounds gross, but trust me, it isn’t). Those bacteria are actually super important when it comes to keeping your mouth and the rest of your body healthy and functioning properly.
The problem is, some types of oral bacteria love to feed on sugars, which causes them to produce harmful acids that can destroy your tooth enamel. Once this happens, you are much more likely to develop cavities. Yikes!
Doesn’t Brushing Help?
Of course, brushing your teeth really well after enjoying sugary snacks and drinks is a great idea. But don’t be fooled. There are actually some common misconceptions about brushing that I want to share with you before you reach for that toothbrush.
Don’t Brush Right Away!
Did you know it’s actually not a great idea to brush your teeth immediately after you drink a sugary beverage or eat a sweet snack? This is because the saliva in your mouth has not had enough time to neutralize the sugar and the acids. In this case, brushing can actually weaken the enamel of your teeth more because you’re actively pressing those acids into the surface of your teeth.
The best thing you can do is swish with plain water after having a sugary treat. Then, if you are able, brush your teeth about 30 minutes later. If you’re especially susceptible to cavities, you can ask us about pH correcting oral rinses or oral sprays.
Stimulate Saliva Production
Stimulating saliva production is key when it comes to suppressing the harmful bacteria in your mouth that can lead to cavities. One super easy thing you can do is chew some sugarless gum to help jump-start your saliva glands!
If you like tea, both green and black teas are great options because they actually have antibacterial effects, and they’re good at preventing plaque and decreasing the pH balance of your saliva. Maybe the British are onto something with their afternoon tea habit!
Fight Those Sugar Cravings
The absolute best thing you can do for your teeth is just to refuse all those fun sized candy bars and caramel apples in the first place. But, that’s not realistic and that’s no way to live your life, either! Enjoy sweet treats in moderation, and whenever possible, substitute candy or soda with one of these healthier options to keep your smile happy:
Greek Yogurt with Berries
If you want something sweet, try some Greek yogurt with berries! This is a healthy snack that won’t just satisfy your cravings but it will also keep you full and it’s great for gut health.
Gingerbread Energy Bites
If you have a little bit of time (we’re talking 15 minutes, here), you could whip together these Gingerbread Energy Bites! They’re perfect for fall and they’re no bake! The sweetness of the bites comes from dates, which is a super healthy alternative to white sugar.
Dark Chocolate
If you absolutely need something rich and indulgent, reach for some dark chocolate… the darker the better. As long as it’s at least 70% cocoa solids, you’ll actually get some heart-healthy benefits from the snack and it will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth!
If you ever have any questions about how to keep your smile healthy, happy, and cavity-free, please feel free to reach out! The The Dental Boutique team is available at 337.231.3000 or you can schedule an appointment below to talk teeth with us!
