It’s that time of the year, and most of us are looking forward to enjoying our favorite seasonal treats and sweets. Today our team at Greenheart Dentist enjoyed some gingerbread spiced cake, home baked by our dental hygienist Cheryl!
You may expect your dentist or dental hygienist to advise against indulging in sugary treats. While it is generally recommended to limit sugar intake for overall health. It is important to understand how sugary treats impact our dental health. Generally the amount of time the sugar is allowed to remain on our teeth is more important the type of treat itself.
Foods high in sugar leave a residue on our teeth. Our saliva is filled with many naturally occurring bacteria, most of which are beneficial, but some bacteria can cause damage when they consume sugar and form a damaging acid. Over time the acid produced leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
How can we keep our teeth and gums healthy throughout this holiday season and still enjoy our favorite treats ?
Here are some helpful tips
• Make time to see your dentist and dental hygienist regularly, don’t postpone your routine dental cleaning, prevention is key.
• Practice good oral hygiene, eat a healthy diet low in sugar and use a fluoridated toothpaste
• Avoid sipping on sweetened beverages throughout the day, water is the best choice
