With all of the sugar that’s loaded into those tasty Easter treats, it’s safe to say that Easter chocolate and oral health do not go together very well. However, that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on all the chocolatey goodness. There are ways to make the combination work by taking proper care of your teeth and gums afterwards. Read on to learn more about how to eat your chocolate while protecting your teeth too.
Eat Chocolate and Avoid Other Types of Candy
Even though chocolate isn’t the best thing to eat for your oral health, it can be enjoyed once in a while. And there are far worse things out there that can damage your teeth. So when you’re ready to dive into some chocolate Easter treats, try to avoid consuming other treats that are harsh for your tooth enamel, such as lollipops, sticky caramels, marshmallows, and jelly beans which can easily stick to your teeth. Hard candies should also be avoided since they can easily chip or break the tooth enamel. To enjoy Easter while taking care of your oral health, sticking to chocolates is the best option. Plus, some dark chocolate has actual health benefits too!
Rinse Your Mouth Instead of Brushing Afterwards
Brushing your teeth right after eating Easter chocolate will do more harm than good. This is because right after eating candy, your tooth enamel will be softer. We recommend waiting around 30 minutes after eating, which will let the tooth enamel harden. This is when you should brush your teeth. Rinsing your whole mouth after eating candy is also recommended to lift any remaining chocolate bits between teeth and gums.
Keep Your Oral Hygiene in Check
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can prevent a lot of oral health issues from developing. If you’re regularly brushing your teeth and flossing, your teeth will be in much better shape from the all the chocolate that you’ll be consuming during the Easter. But don’t forget to keep it going by brushing the teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
Drink Lots of Water
It’s also helpful to stay hydrated to help flush out and rinse your mouth afterwards. A dry mouth will also put you at a greater risk of getting cavities. Avoid carbonated and sugary drinks during Easter too since they can damage your teeth if paired with chocolate. Try to only stick with drinking water when you’re diving into sugary items.
Set an Appointment With Your Dentist
Right after Easter is a good time to set an appointment with your dentist so they can assess the effects of binge-eating all that tasty chocolate. This is one of the best time to have your teeth cleaned and checked since it can also pinpoint and prevent decay or cavities from getting worse.
Control Your Eating Habits
Indulging in Easter chocolate won’t have a long-term effect on your oral health, but you should remember that it’s all about the quantity. Munching on chocolates all day will create problems for your teeth and gums over time. So be aware of how much you’re eating and be sure to limit your intake.
Although Easter chocolate is bad for your teeth, following these tips will help you enjoy your Easter candy without risking your oral health. It’s always a good idea to consult your dentist before and after binge-eating chocolates. So give us a call at Carlington Dental this spring to jumpstart your oral health for the summer!
