With Easter fast approaching it’s hard to resist the allure of colourful chocolate eggs, marshmallow chicks and sweets galore. However, for those mindful of their dental health, indulging in these sugary delights can lead to a sweet tooth dilemma. This particular holiday is synonymous with an overwhelming amount of treats which can be extremely tempting (especially if you have a sweet tooth!) It can become very easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and indulge in these delectable delights. However, like anything, you can have too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to sugary snacks. Whilst these confectionaries may cause temporary joy, the impact on dental health is something to consider. Sugary foods can contribute to cavities, especially if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained.
There is a delicate balance between enjoying Easter sweets whilst maintaining a healthy smile so the team at Rapport Dentistry have put some tips together to help you enjoy Easter responsibly.
- If you are going to treat yourself to some sugary snacks please do so in moderation to minimise the impact on your dental health. One of the worst things a person can do, whether it’s yourself or your child, is to snack on sugary snacks throughout the day. Each time we eat anything with a high sugar content our teeth are under an acid attack for about an hour, so if we are consuming these foods throughout the day our teeth would constantly be at risk. Our advice is to reduce the amount of times these sugary foods are being eaten and to try and limit them to meal times rather than throughout the day.
- Choose sugar free alternatives – consider choosing sugar free or low sugar treats to satisfy your sweet tooth without harming your teeth. Another option is to opt for dark chocolate as it contains less sugar than milk chocolate and has antioxidant’s that may actually benefit your oral health.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.
- Despite our best efforts, sometimes dental issues arise. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health, especially after indulging in Easter treats. Our dentists here can provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices and address any concerns about tooth decay or cavities.
- It is important to find a good balance and ultimately, Easter is a time for celebrating and enjoyment. While it’s important to be mindful of our dental health, it’s also okay to indulge in moderation. By finding a balance between enjoying Easter treats and practicing good oral hygiene, we can savor the sweetness of the season without compromising our smiles.
Fact: Tooth decay is the leading cause for hospitalisation among 5-9 year olds in the UK, with 26,000 children being hospitalised each year due to tooth decay – in other words, 500 each week due to high sugar content.
Fact: Although levels of tooth decay have decreased over the past decades, it still remains one of the most common problems in the UK, with common cold placing second. It is estimated that 1 in 3 adults suffers from dental caries
