Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. This means chocolate sales are about to surge for candy companies, which are stocking shelves to meet customer demand. If you usually receive sweet treats from your special someone, you may be looking for ways to avoid harming your oral health this year. Here are 3 ways you can still enjoy your favorite chocolates and remain guilt-free.
Trade Milk Chocolate for Dark Chocolate
When choosing between chocolate and hard or gummy candies, the former always wins. However, even among the endless varieties of this indulgent treat, there are differences you should consider.
Instead of reaching for milk chocolate, choose the darker option. Why? Not only does it contain less sugar, but it can also benefit your smile and body thanks to its antioxidants. In addition, while eating dark chocolate, you’ll also appreciate how quickly it melts, meaning any of its sugar content will not stay on your teeth long.
Drink Lots of Water
You can protect your pearly whites this Valentine’s Day by remembering to drink lots of water. After enjoying a few pieces of your favorite chocolate treats, you can easily flush away all remaining particles by washing them down with water. It not only removes leftover sugar remnants, preventing them from attaching to the surfaces of your teeth, but also stimulates saliva production.
These glands are designed to keep your mouth moist and neutralize harmful acids, keeping your smile healthy and cavity-free over time.
While you are encouraged to drink water while enjoying your sweet treats, you should also rinse your mouth afterward so that any residue can be easily removed.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Probably the most effective way to minimize harm to your pearly whites this Valentine’s Day is to practice good oral hygiene at home.
If you are on a date or at a party, do not neglect brushing, flossing, and rinsing before going to bed. These three steps can remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums, preventing them from attacking and damaging your smile overnight.
Be sure to use the appropriate methods when brushing (two full minutes with fluoride toothpaste) and flossing (between each tooth), so your smile is properly protected before calling it a night.
Enjoy this upcoming Valentine’s Day. If that means indulging in a few sweet treats, make sure you give your teeth the care they deserve to stay healthy and beautiful the rest of the year.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Makram is a trusted dentist in Naples who has been practicing in the area since 1997. With advanced training and a clear focus on meeting patients’ expectations, he remains committed to delivering outstanding results during every appointment. When individuals arrive with questions about the upcoming holidays, he is ready to offer helpful tips to keep teeth healthy and cavity-free. If you are concerned about what you can do to keep from damaging your smile this Valentine’s Day, visit our website or call (239) 513-9990 to schedule a consultation.