How to Prevent Cavities When You Have a Sweet Tooth

If you have an affection for sweet delights, you’re not by yourself. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a little sugar? The problem is that it happens to be the food of choice for oral bacteria. Therefore, consuming an abundance of it can contribute to cavities and a host of other dental health problems. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent the negative side effects of sugar consumption. As you continue reading, a dentist in Far North Dallas provides some helpful and practical tips!

Brush Your Teeth

Sugar does the most damage when it’s allowed to sit on the teeth. The longer it stays, the more time it gives for oral bacteria to feed on the leftovers. Brushing your teeth helps to agitate and remove the remaining particles. However, you should be sure to wait at least 30 minutes after consuming the last bite, as to prevent enamel damage.

Use Dental Floss

Don’t stop with toothbrushing. You should also floss to clean the tight spaces between your teeth where bacteria and debris hide. This will not only protect against cavity development but will also help you maintain healthy gums.

Keep Some Mouthwash Handy

If you’re out and about and grab a sweet snack, it may not be easy to brush and floss your teeth afterwards. While there is no substitute for these forms of dental hygiene, rinsing with mouthwash will at least provide a temporary way to remove some of the leftovers and slow down the growth of bacteria.

Drink Water

Drinking a glass of water after eating a sugary item helps to wash the leftovers from your mouth. This will also aid in saliva production, which plays an integral role in naturally irrigating your mouth.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

If you have a piece of sugar-free gum handy, chewing it after eating sweets will help to stimulate saliva production. This is another temporary solution when you’re unable to brush and floss your teeth.

Choose Sugar-Free Snacks

Because so many people have a sweet tooth yet realize how harmful it can be to their dental health, the marketplace has produced several sugar-free alternatives. Look for offerings that contain xylitol, stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These products will provide the sweet sensation you’re looking for without the potentially disastrous effects and guilt.

How Visiting a Dentist Can Help

In addition to incorporating the above tips into your life, it’s highly beneficial to visit a dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. This will help to prevent cavities and provide the peace-of-mind of knowing the condition of your teeth and gums.

Although sugar poses dental health challenges, it’s nice to know that if you choose to indulge from time-to-time, you can still protect yourself.

About the Author

If you desire to experience the best in dental health, the professionals at Bear Creek Family Dentistry provide comprehensive care for the entire family, and each visit is an educational experience that leaves patients feeling empowered. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website.