When you have a sweet tooth, desserts are a part of life. A meal seems incomplete without pudding, ice cream, candy, or some other rich, sugary treat, and Halloween is about the closest thing you have to heaven. If you observe holidays and similar traditions in your family, home-made sweets are also probably a highlight of your celebrations.

Just about everyone gorges on their favorite sweets. However, indulging in these frequently could take a toll on your teeth, especially if you don’t visit the dentist for teeth cleaning or regular checkups. Eating desserts and not practicing oral care and hygiene will cause health-related problems like cavities, tooth sensitivity, and others.

Although it is a good idea to limit your sugar intake, you do not have to completely shun sweets or go on a detox; you can still keep munching on your favorite treats, as long as you keep certain things in mind. Here are five things you could do to keep your smile healthy if you have a sweet tooth.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day

The most basic dental hygiene tip is the most effective one against cavities. When you treat yourself to chocolate bars and cake regularly, it’s vital to brush and floss at least twice a day. Ideally, make it after every meal. When you forget to clean your teeth, it causes the sugary components to remain on your teeth, which leads to cavities.

Frequently change your toothbrush

No matter what type of toothbrush you use, it’s good to replace it every three or four months. If you consume plenty of sweets, you are at a higher risk of plaque buildup.  If you have partials or retainers, brush them separately to get all the food particles out.

Plaque thrives in carbohydrate-rich environments, and if you keep using the same brush, you’ll inevitably accumulate food particles on your bristles. If you use biodegradable brushes, you can throw it away without worrying whether your trash will contribute to pollution.

Drink water and rinse your mouth

Staying hydrated is also vital in oral health. Drink water, especially before snacks and meals, gives you a feeling of fullness, preventing you from eating too many sweets. Choose water over other drinks as much as possible and keep your juice servings few and far between. 

Aside from this, remember that water flushes off food residue; you need to stay hydrated when you eat and drink with Invisalign or similar appliances.

Refrain from eating colored food

Food items with artificial coloring and preservatives stain your teeth. The acids also promote bacterial growth, which contributes to cavities. If you have stained teeth, you could switch to a toothpaste with a whitening formula and cut down on manufactured food.

Apart from staining teeth, sweets could also cause tooth sensitivity. Merely switching to tooth sensitivity toothpaste can let you enjoy the treats without worrying about sensitivity.

Consider having dessert first

Sweets result in dental cavities because they are sticky and tend to build on your teeth surface. Tooth decay could also cause tooth sensitivity. If you eat dessert before having your meal, it prevents sweets from collecting in the crevices. 

Conclusion

When you have a sweet tooth, it’s almost second nature to snack on desserts. However, being fond of sugary items means you should be a little more careful about your dental hygiene. Aside from brushing and flossing, you should schedule regular appointments with your dental specialist. This is especially true if you have clear aligners, braces, or other dental appliances; a dental professional can inform you of potential issues you should note.

For dental care, you can trust, visit Matthews Family Dentistry today. We are Matthews, North Carolina restorative dentists, offering teeth cleaning, dental implants, Invisalign treatment, and more. Schedule a virtual visit today to learn more!