Love your teeth this Valentine’s Day
March 10, 2020 11:23 amValentine’s Day is a big deal for many of us. In the US alone, $345 million is spent on candy and chocolate! Valentine’s Day might feel like the perfect time to show your beloved just how much you care – but, your teeth may not feel the same way. Here we explain why thinking about your teeth shouldn’t be an afterthought this Valentine’s Day.
- Why does it matter?
Everyone has millions of good and bad bacteria in their mouth. When you eat foods containing sugar, the bad bacteria use it to create plaque and acid – which damages tooth surfaces. These bacteria thrive on sugar, so the more you eat, the bigger the bacteria party. Over time this creates a vicious cycle where plaque is formed on tooth surfaces and decay takes hold. Brushing alone can’t fix that, and it can lead to fillings (or more) next time you visit the dentist. So, it’s important to be aware of what you’re eating – on Valentine’s Day and beyond!
- Choosing treats
Chocolate is better than candy because it’s in contact with teeth for less time, isn’t so hard (so it’s less likely to cause damage) and it can even have benefits. Healthy chocolate treats like dark chocolate contain antioxidants, minerals such as potassium and zinc, and the best vitamins for teeth like vitamins E and B – all of which are good for teeth, and the body too. Even better, you could combine some fruit into your Valentine’s gift, for example by giving chocolate-covered strawberries. Make sure you indulge around mealtimes if possible, instead of snacking during the day, as this kind of eating routine helps minimize any damaging effects.
- What to avoid
Don’t eat toffees, very hard candy like lollipops, and anything tough or chewy like brittle. These delicious but unhealthy treats stick to teeth and are in your mouth for longer periods of time, making damage all the more likely. Don’t be fooled into thinking only white or refined sugar is bad. Surprisingly, ‘natural’ sugars like dried fruit can also be harmful – because they still stick to teeth. Eat all sweet things in moderation, and make sure to drink water after indulging, in order to remove food remnants from the mouth and lessen the chance of bacteria being able to produce damaging plaque.
- Other gifts
Of course, it’s always best to choose a non-damaging gift for Valentine’s Day. No one wants to receive a new toothbrush or bottle of mouthwash on February 14th – but a card, flowers or jewelry avoids the problem of tooth decay altogether!
- Longer term
It’s important to practice proper dental hygiene beyond Valentine’s Day. Without the proper care, serious conditions like gum disease can take hold. As well as suffering from embarrassing side effects like bad breath, you’ll have permanent damage to the health of your mouth – and you could even pass on cavity-causing germs to your beloved.
- What should I do?
Make sure you have a thorough and regular dental routine. That means brushing teeth twice a day and using fluoride toothpaste, which will help strengthen your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every three months, and make sure you have your own! You must also visit your dentist every six months – seek out the best dentist in Dubai. Day-to-day, if you find you suffer from bad breath with no discernible cause, then an antibacterial mouthwash and chewing gum can help. It’s also best to stop bad habits like smoking. Finally, be sure to pay attention to your eating routine, and keep a varied diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. This will help make sure you have a good supply of the best vitamins for teeth, enabling you to fight off tooth and mouth problems for good.
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