With Easter just around the corner, the shops are filled with chocolate. The temptation is hard to resist for those of us with a sweet tooth. Many of us wonder if it is possible to enjoy our delicious treats without causing harm to our teeth. Luckily, here we will explore what treats mean for your teeth and how you can enjoy them without harming your oral health.

The Impact of Chocolate and Sugars on Your Teeth

Like all sweet treats, chocolate contains sugar, and sugar is very bad for your teeth and can cause tooth decay. Sugar interacts with oral bacteria to create a harmful acid that eats away at the enamel of our teeth. Our Saliva works to neutralise this acid, but it can only do so much when it is bombarded with harmful foods.
The enamel of our teeth is the armour that protects our gums and nerve endings and allows us to chew our food. Once it is damaged, cavities develop, which opens the mouth to infection and disease. Tooth and gum health are important, and we should actively look for ways we can encourage good oral health and hygiene.

Oral Health and Routine Examinations

Many people do not consider how vital oral health is to their overall well-being. Having a clean and healthy mouth can free you from other health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, etc. Routine dental exams and check-ups are a great addition to any oral health regimen as they help catch potential problems early. As long as your oral health is in check, indulging in treats now and again should not be a huge issue. Below are our Top Tips for enjoying treats without the guilt!

Guilt Free Indulgence

• Choose dark chocolate. Research tells us that dark chocolate is the healthier option. Dark chocolate may not be as sweet as others, but when it comes to your health, it has the most benefits. With its low sugar content, dark chocolate reduces the risk of cavities and decay. Also, compounds within dark chocolate, particularly the cocoa bean husk, contain antibacterial and plaque-fighting properties. This means that eating dark chocolate can be beneficial for tooth and gum health, and any harm done by its sugar can be counteracted.
• Rinse: This should be a routine mantra for after any meal or snack. Once you have indulged in your Easter treats, you should rinse out your mouth. This helps clear away most of the damaging sugar and boosts saliva production, allowing your saliva to perform its role effectively.Limit to Mealtimes: Sweets, chocolate and sugary drinks should be limited to mealtimes. It is better to eat however much you want in one sitting as opposed to constantly snacking throughout the day. Eating larger meals produces more saliva, which helps get rid of the sugar stuck to your teeth and also neutralises the acid. This is one of the top ways to indulge without guilt.
• Sugarfree Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after a treat is another great way to stimulate saliva production, effectively reducing the formation of and neutralising the effects of the harmful acid.
• Limit Intake: Enjoy chocolate in moderation. Reducing the amount of sugar you consume will reduce the risk of tooth decay.
• Drink Water: Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day is a good practice for your overall well-being, but it can also play a role in preventing tooth decay and promoting gum health. Drinking water regularly encourages saliva production and can also dislodge and wash away any lingering food or sugar particles.
• Good Oral Hygiene and Routine Examinations: Having a good oral health regimen is the best way to protect yourself from tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing twice a day and regular flossing will get rid of any plaque buildup and clogged foods, reducing the risk of cavities. Additionally, attending routine examinations at your dentist and keeping on top of gum health are vital parts of an efficient oral hygiene regimen, and it is a good idea to include them in yours. As long as you’re brushing and flossing effectively and visiting the dentist regularly, indulging in chocolate and Easter treats will not be detrimental.
• Alternatives: Chocolate is not the only way to enjoy the Easter season. There are fun crafts to try as well as healthy foods and recipes that resonate with easter charm.

Fun Things To Try

Our top tips are a great way to ensure your teeth remain healthy while you enjoy a little chocolate. You can also try some fun alternatives that can feed your cravings while keeping tooth decay at bay. Instead of simply eating chocolate, why not pair it with foods that are good for you, like nuts and fruits?

• Play the dipping game!
  Melt some dark chocolate and you’ve got chocolate fondue, dip in your favourite fruits and enjoy.
• Get Nutty!
  Almonds and walnuts are great examples of nuts that are good for your teeth. Cover the nuts in dark chocolate for a tooth-friendly treat!
• Play it Smooth!
  Smoothies are delicious and healthy. Pair some dark chocolate with fruits, milk, and yoghurt and blend them away for a delicious, healthy treat.

The Bottom Line

Enjoying the Easter-time treats, or chocolate in general, does not need to fill you with guilt and dread. Being smart and approaching your indulgence with tact can help prevent tooth decay. Follow our top tips and fun things to try and enjoy this easter season!

Cultivating healthy eating habits, maintaining a good oral health regimen, and regularly visiting your dentist for check-ups and routine examinations will do wonders for your teeth. If your teeth are not the way you want and need them to be, there are always ways to address this. If you have discoloured teeth or chips and cracks, treatments such as composite bonding can help to give you a brand new smile.

Enjoy some treats this Easter without the guilt!

Contact us today and see how we can help you smile anew.