By sticking to a strict dental routine, minimising overall consumption of chocolate and following the tips below, you, your family and friends can minimise tooth decay and maintain great oral health this
Avoid continuous consumptions
Aim to enjoy your Easter sweets at mealtimes, rather than between meals. Chewing on food continuously means that your saliva does not have time to properly neutralise the corrosive acids and can result in damage to tooth enamel. Remember that when it comes to teeth, frequent consumption is far worse than volume.
Pick your poison
Stick to eating chocolate over Easter rather than lollies or other treats that will get stuck in the teeth. Choose dark chocolate over milk or white chocolate – this chocolate is the least processed and is closest to the cocoa bean which contains polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids, all of which are strong antioxidants and will benefit your teeth and mouth.
Drink tap water
As an alternative to brushing when you are not near home, water should be used to clear the mouth. A dry mouth is more conducive to bacteria so drinking water will aid in rehydration and increasing salivary flow. Saliva contains enzymes and buffers which will aid in rehardening tooth surfaces, neutralising acid and returning the pH of the mouth to neutral. Chewing on sugar free gum can also assist in the production of saliva.
See them? Clean them!
It is vital that you begin looking after your children’s teeth as soon as they erupt. The most common site for tooth decay in children is between the back (molar) teeth, so parents should floss daily between children’s teeth as soon as these come through. Brushing teeth twice a day can decrease decay up to 25% and children should be supervised by a parent up until the age of 12.
Technique over toothbrush type
The technique and amount of time spent brushing teeth is of greater importance than the type of toothbrush that is used (i.e. battery-operated, electric or manual). However, all children should use a toothbrush with a small head that fits comfortably in the mouth and soft nylon bristles.
Ask your dentist
It is important to have regular 6 monthly check-ups
