With so much sugar available during the holiday season, you may be wondering how you can protect your and your children’s teeth. At Ardas Family Dental in Parker, we want our patients to be able to enjoy socializing with treats and not have to worry about getting a toothache, so we put together some smart tips.
When food remains on the teeth for a long time, bacteria have longer to metabolize it and secrete acid. Bacteria can eat simple sugar more quickly, so the most dangerous foods are those which keep sugar in direct contact with teeth for a long time. Candy canes and other hard candies are chief among those, but another risk comes from sugary drinks such as eggnog, hot chocolate, caffeinated beverages with cream, and alcoholic beverages. Things that are full of simple sugars also tend to dry out the mouth, leaving it without saliva to rinse sugary residue or remove food debris.
You produce more saliva when you’re eating large meals, so it’s best to limit snacks to then, if possible. If social obligations demand that you snack over a long period, you can try chewing sugar-free gum to remove some sticky or starchy food from between your teeth. Alternating between sugary beverages and water will also help keep the mouth clean, so bring some bottles of fluoridated water with you if you’re traveling to somewhere that uses well water.
Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.
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