HELPING PROTECT YOUR TEETH THIS EASTER

Easter is a national holiday in the USA, which is why many families get together and have big dinners even if they don’t technically celebrate it. Ham, mashed potatoes, pie, and baskets of candy are traditional foods. But these can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease.

That’s why you need to call us today at 205-545-8007 and make an appointment for a dental cleaning and dental exam after Easter is finished. Dr. Perrigo continues his dental education every year, staying fresh and current with the latest dental research and techniques. He can help your smile stay healthy and attractive.

4 Food & Drink Problems That Damage Teeth

When it comes to the dental problems posed by this holiday, it really comes down to what you eat and drink. Here are four problems from food and drink that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and more.

• Alcohol: How much this affects your dental health depends on how you take it. Straight alcohol dries out your mouth, and saliva is needed to wash away food particles that feed bacteria. But many drinks have plenty of sugar, carbs, and acid that hurt your teeth.
• Sugar: The bacteria behind cavities and gum disease can eat anything you can, but they thrive off sugar. That’s why eating candy is bad for your teeth. The sugar itself doesn’t hurt anything; it encourages bacteria to cause problems.
• Carbohydrates: Carbs are packed with calories just like sugar, and calories is just another name for energy. Any foods or drinks that are packed with carbs can increase your chances of cavities and gum disease like sugar does.
• Acid: Many foods and drinks are acidic. People enjoy the tangy flavor it bring. But acid can erode and weaken your enamel.

Tips For Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

All holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends, so you don’t have to abstain from tasty treats completely. But to make sure Easter doesn’t end up hurting your smile, follow these tips.

Only enjoy a little alcohol and soda.

This is a holiday, so you can celebrate a little. For kids, that usually means soda. Adults drink soda too, but many enjoy alcohol like beer and wine around this day. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying both a little bit, but hold back on it to some degree. Soda is highly acidic (even diet versions). So is alcohol, but beer is full of carbs and wine is full of sugar.

Replace some Easter candy with toys and games.

Candy has become the default treat for Easter. Candy eggs, chocolate, and more are all given on this holiday. But there’s nothing requiring it. As with soda and alcohol, a little candy is going to be okay. But instead of filling a basket to the brim with candy, replace some of it with toys and games. Both are more fun anyway.

Put the baskets of candy away after enjoying some.

One problem people often have around this holiday is grazing. They leave baskets of candy out for a few days, tempting them to grab a little whenever they walk past. Such snacking is not good for your teeth or your waistline. That’s why it’s a good idea to put the baskets away after eating some candy. Putting it out of sight even helps you forget that the candy is still there.

Skip any candy that’s brightly colored or sticky.

Not all sugary candy is the same. All sugar is bad for your teeth, but candy that’s very sticky is worse. That’s because it will stick sugar all over your teeth and gums, making it stay there longer and encourage harmful bacteria to thrive. Brightly colored candy can also leave tiny stains on your enamel, eventually leading to dark and dingy smiles.

Rinse with plain water after every snack and meal.

Part of the problem with Easter is how all that sugar and carbs coat your teeth. This is like laying out an Easter dinner for harmful bacteria. To fight this, rinse your mouth with plain water after every snack and meal. This can wash away food particles stuck to your teeth and gums, helping keep those bacteria under control.

Call us TODAY at 205-545-8007 or use our online form to schedule a dental cleaning and dental exam. All that food and drink around Easter can lead to cavities and gum disease. Dental cleanings can help protect your teeth, while dental exams can catch any problems while they’re easier (and cheaper) to correct.