How to Prevent Cavities When You Love Sweet Treats!

Are you guilty of having a sweet tooth? Having a sweet treat now and again is a great way to reward yourself for all your hard work and tackle that sugar craving. However, if you are indulging in sugary foods often, you could be taking a toll on your oral health. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing tooth decay in the future. Read on to learn some helpful tips to prevent cavities if you have a sweet tooth.

Have Dental Tools On-the-Go!

Most of us aren’t staying home all day near our bathroom. If you are constantly on the go, keeping up with a busy schedule you could benefit from taking a portable toothbrush with you. When you have a sugary treat or candy, take a minute to head to the restroom and give your teeth a scrub. This way, you can remove the sugar that is lingering around afterward. You can find travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrushes that will fit perfectly in your purse or car.

Purchase a New Toothbrush

If you like to consume sweets regularly, you are at higher risk of plaque buildup than those who don’t. Because of this, you would likely benefit from a toothbrush that is especially effective at plaque removal. Try to find a toothbrush with triple-action brushes and a diamond shaped head so you can clean hard-to-reach places in the mouth.

Use Mouthwash

Introduce mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine if you haven’t already. Choose one that contains fluoride because it helps to protect your enamel from becoming damaged. If mouthwash isn’t available, you could still benefit from swishing plain water around your mouth.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

After you have had something sugary, try having a piece of sugarless gum. This will help to clean away the sugar left behind on your teeth because it increases your saliva production. This way, food particles can be washed away.

Be Mindful of Your Choices

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, fruit is an excellent option. However, if you would rather enjoy something else, you should be mindful of when you choose. For example, having a piece of chocolate melts away quickly, so it is generally a better choice than sticky caramels that adhere to the tooth for a long time. When you choose your treat, stay away from ones that are particularly sticky, acidic, or hard.

Your teeth would benefit from limiting your sugar intake, but there are other steps you can take as well. By using these tips and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, your smile will thank you!

About the Practice

At Blanco Circle Dental Care, general dentist, Dr. Ed Hajdari, and oral surgeon, Dr. Arian Chehrehsa work together to treat patients in the Salinas community. By staying on top of your regular checkups, you can prevent developing tooth decay in the future. For more information or to schedule a cleaning and checkup, visit our website or call (831) 422-7838.