There’s no denying candy’s goodness. Who doesn’t enjoy a pack of M&Ms every now and then? We all know there’s nothing wrong with occasionally indulging that sweet tooth, but you do want to keep all those pearly whites, don’t you? To ensure that smile stays in great condition, take a peek at these handy tips for limiting the damage of consuming sugary sweets.
- Slowly eating candy over the course of a few hours will increase the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar and naturally occurring acids. To satisfy your sweet tooth, eat one or two pieces quickly (but not too quickly), and save the rest for later.
- After you enjoy your sugary sweet, drink water to help neutralize the acidity. Swish the water around in your mouth for a while to ensure the maximum benefit.
- Brushing your teeth is a great idea, especially after a candy adventure, but not immediately after. That’s because the exposure to acidic foods will briefly soften your tooth enamel and vigorous brushing may wear the enamel away. Instead, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, or rinse your mouth with a fluoridated mouthwash to strengthen your teeth’s enamel.
Keep these healthful suggestions in mind, as good oral-hygiene habits will benefit your overall health. Besides, who likes getting cavities?