Throughout this festive season we will be increasing our intake
of sugar, whether it be through alcohol or sweet foods, so it's vital we take extra special care of our teeth and
gums.
It is good to note that – It is not
actually about how much sugar we eat or drink but how long it stays in our
mouths.
The best time to eat sweets and sugary foods/drinks is at mealtimes. This is
because we produce more saliva when we are eating which helps to neutralise the
acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and it also helps to rinse away food
particles and sugary substances.
The sugar that cause the most problems are refined sugars such as in sweets
such as lollipops, soft drinks, chocolates, and other sticky foods, as these
remain in our mouths for a longer time while they are being eaten. These sugars
combine with the natural bacteria in the mouth and produce acids that break
down the protective tooth enamel, eventually causing tooth decay.
We also often neglect our oral hygiene routines at this time when we perhaps
fall into bed without brushing our teeth after a night of drinking or carried
away with the jolly of the season. While
one night of missed brushing will not significantly affect your teeth, repeated
missed brushings will have an impact on your dental health.
Alcohol consumption can also increase your risk for oral cancer and this risk
is increased significantly when combined with tobacco. It is thought that
because alcohol dehydrates the cell walls in the mouth carcinogens can permeate
the tissue more easily. It can also increase your risk of gum disease which
destroys gum tissue and bone and is the leading cause of tooth loss and gum
infections."
Maintain healthy teeth by
following some simple steps:
During festive times try and brush
your teeth 3 times a day and
don't forget to floss or
use interdental brushes at least once a day
Make sure you have a nice new
toothbrush – you should replace them every 3 – 4 months
Chew sugarless gum which creates more saliva production
and helps to wash away sugar and harmful acids
If you can, avoid snacking between
meals
If you notice any tooth ache or anomaly in your mouth, please visit your
dentist immediately.
Don’t hesitate to contact me for further clarification,
Dr. Odeyemi Kolade Project Smile 32 Senior facilitator
0906-1999-927.
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