The arrival of Easter means the arrival of chocolate eggs and sweets for the children. However, with all these treats, it is important to remember the importance of dental hygiene and taking care of our teeth.
Children are often the most exposed to excessive consumption of sugar and chocolate during the holidays. However, it is important to remind them that some treats contain more sugar, or may take longer to chew, which exposes the teeth longer to acids. This is bad for their teeth and can lead to tooth decay. Dental cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on sugar and food scraps on the teeth. When bacteria produce acid, they can attack tooth enamel, which can lead to the formation of cavities.
Bad Easter treats:
- Sticky candies: the longer a candy remains in the mouth, the higher the risk of causing cavities. Sticky candies contain a lot of sugar, and when they stick to your teeth, they allow bacteria to consume them and do damage.
- Milk chocolate: it is a very tasty type of chocolate thanks to the added flavors of milk. But it can include a lot of sugar, about double what dark chocolate contains. This means that the risk of tooth decay is higher.
Good Easter treats:
- Dark chocolate: recent research concludes that chocolate has properties that can be beneficial for the teeth, provided that it does not contain a lot of sugar, as is the case with milk chocolate. If one chooses dark chocolate 75% and above, it would be considered a good treat for oral health.
- Nut Chocolate Bar: If candies or chocolate tend to stick to your teeth, nuts can help loosen them. This would reduce the time the teeth are exposed to sugar.
As parents, we can help our children take care of their teeth by providing them with healthy snack options and encouraging them to brush their teeth after every meal. Encourage them to drink plenty of water too! Water can help neutralize acids in the mouth and remove sugar residue from teeth. It’s also important to take them to the dentist regularly for professional checkups and cleanings.
In summary, the arrival of Easter is a time to have fun with our loved ones, but we must also be careful not to let our children eat excessive chocolate.
At Clinique Dentaire Champlain, we understand the importance of taking care of our teeth. We offer comprehensive dental care services for children and adults, including regular checkups, professional cleanings and caries treatments. We are committed to helping our patients have healthy teeth and smile with confidence!
Call Clinique Dentaire Champlain!
(450) 923-1361 / clchamplain@videotron.ca
