Easter is coming up this weekend, which is a great opportunity to relax with family and friends. We know that this is also a very tempting time to indulge in chocolate Easter eggs, which can play havoc with our teeth.
So, how do you enjoy some Easter chocolate this weekend and look after your oral health at the same time?
We’ve put together our five top tips to help you look after your smile this Easter:
- Choose dark chocolate
Swap your usual Easter treats for dark chocolate this year. Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) is rich in antioxidants and contains less sugar than milk or white chocolate, so it will be less damaging to your teeth.
2. Eat chocolate all in one go
That’s right! Crack open your Easter egg after your main meal on Easter Sunday and eat it for dessert. Don’t graze on chocolate constantly during the day, because every time you do this, harmful acids produced by the sugar in chocolate attack the enamel on your teeth. If you eat your chocolate all in one go, it minimises the time that sugar lingers on your teeth, meaning that it is less likely to result in tooth decay. The less time you spend exposing your teeth to acid, the better.
3. Stick to good oral hygiene habits
Over Easter, you might have a break from your usual routine in favour of sleeping in, nights out, or trips away to stay with friends or family, but remember to look after your teeth! Make sure you still brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste – and wait at least 30 minutes after eating chocolate before brushing. This gives time for your enamel to re-harden after being softened by acids. If you were to brush your teeth straight after eating chocolate, you would risk harming the enamel further. Remember to keep up other good oral hygiene habits too, such as flossing, using a fluoride mouthwash, and chewing sugar-free gum.
4. Drink water after eating chocolate
This helps to wash away lingering chocolate on the teeth, and also increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which in turn works to neutralise the harmful acids produced by the sugar in the chocolate egg you’ve just consumed. Drinking water has so many more health benefits too, such as increasing energy levels, improving digestion, helping blood circulation, flushing out toxins and boosting your skin complexion. It’s a win win!
5. Book a appointment with you dentist and hygienist at Honour Health
If you’ve been overindulging in chocolate treats and you’re concerned about the effects of sugar on your teeth, come and see us. At a Dental Health Assessment, our dentist will carefully check your teeth and gums, and our hygienist will carry out our state-of-the-art Airflow treatment to quickly, comfortably and effectively get rid of plaque and staining, revealing a healthier, brighter smile. Prevention is the key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums this Easter – and all year round!
Book an appointment at Jesmond (call 0191 281 3913 or email jesmond@honourhealth.co.uk), Stanley (call 01207 232 725 or email stanley@honourhealth.co.uk) or Ponteland (call 01661 821 412 or email ponteland@honourhealth.co.uk).