Five Tips To Protect Your Teeth When You Have A Sweet Tooth

When you have an intense craving or fondness for sweet foods, then you are said to have a sweet tooth. The chances are that you drool over the likes of chocolates, cakes, cookies, and sweetened drinks.

The problem is that sugary foods and beverages are your teeth s greatest adversaries. Know that oral bacteria feed on sugars, producing acids that erode the protective enamel layer of your teeth. When consumed in excess amounts, sugary foods and drinks can impact your teeth significantly. If left uncleaned and unattended, they can lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss. That's why if you are the kind who has a sweet tooth, then you must go beyond your usual teeth cleaning routine. Let s go back to the basics.

Here are 5 tips to protect your teeth from sugar, particularly for those with a sweet tooth.

Brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal is, of course, the best way to prevent tooth cavities and tooth decay. It s not enough that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you have a sweet tooth, then it s best to do so after every meal. Also, make sure to floss your teeth after each meal to remove the residue in between your teeth. Please take note that if you love acidic foods and drinks, we would not advise brushing directly afterwards. For example, drinking a hot lemon drink followed by brushing is like rubbing battery acid all over your teeth! In this case, wait for the natural buffering effect of saliva to take effect for follow steps 2 and 3 first prior to brushing.

Apart from brushing and flossing your teeth, it s a good idea to use mouthwash after every meal. Rinsing your mouth helps remove as much sugar and sticky residue as possible. Know that sugary foods and drinks can increase harmful oral bacteria in your mouth, which quickly occurs within the first 20 minutes of consuming food. Rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth further kills bacteria in your mouth.

Sugar-free chewing gums are widely available in the market, which is particularly helpful for those with a sweet tooth. These chewing gums can help clean your teeth after consuming sugary foods and drinks. They work by increasing the production of saliva in your mouth, which does two vital things. First, the saliva production removes any sugar coating on the teeth. Second, it neutralizes the acids in your mouth that prevent damages to your tooth enamel.

Regular brushing and flossing may not be enough to eliminate the harmful bacteria in your mouth completely. It is all the more concerning if you have a sweet tooth where you always crave and indulge in sugary foods and juices. That s why visiting your dentist, and getting dental cleaning is a must. In fact, dentists suggest that you get an oral checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. For those of you at most risk, cleaning visits may be needed every quarter.

The truth is, excessive sugar consumption has negative consequences for your teeth. The more sugars you eat, the higher the risk of damage to your tooth enamel. That said, make sure to follow the tips outlined above brush and floss our teeth, rinse your mouth, chew sugar-free gum, and regularly have a dental cleaning. If you have a sweet tooth, then you should be all the more robust in your routine oral care.

Progressive Dentistry is rated as one of the best dental practices in Fulham, London, offering a wide range of dental services. Get in touch with us today for an oral consultation and dental hygiene.