Plenty of people show their affection on Valentine’s Day by exchanging boxes of chocolate and other sweets. But while such treats are a delight for many individuals, the sugar they contain can increase the risk of tooth decay, which could ultimately lead to a dental emergency. To ensure that you’re able to enjoy Valentine’s Day to the fullest while also keeping your smile safe, try following these 4 tips from your emergency dentist.
1. Make Good Oral Hygiene a Habit
If you take excellent care of your teeth on a daily basis, you’ll be less likely to suffer from dental issues after just one day of overindulging in sugar. Remember to brush your teeth thoroughly at least two times every day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s also important to floss to get rid of the plaque and food particles hiding between your teeth. Finally, get into the habit of using an antibacterial mouthwash; this will help kill many of the harmful bacteria that cause cavities.
2. Enjoy Sugar in Moderation
As eager as you might be to enjoy your Valentine’s Day chocolate, it’s generally best to limit your daily sugar intake. Be aware of how many sweets you consume and make a conscious effort not to overindulge. Not only will this help your gift last longer, but it will keep the risk to your teeth to a minimum.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking lots of water can go a long way toward protecting your health on Valentine’s Day. For one thing, water can help wash away sugar particles on your teeth before cavity-causing bacteria can feed on them. Additionally, if you plan on drinking any red wine during a romantic dinner, water can neutralize the acid in said wine so that it doesn’t have an adverse effect on your teeth.
4. Carry Some Sugar-Free Gum With You
Surprisingly enough, chewing on sugar-free gum can actually be beneficial for your smile. It encourages your mouth to produce more saliva, which can wash away bacteria and food particles. Thus, chewing on sugar-free gum throughout the day can help counteract the negative effect that sugary sweets can have on your teeth.
Bear in mind that while the above tips can significantly reduce the risk of a dental emergency occurring, sometimes the worst can still happen even if you do everything right. In the event that you experience a toothache or another dental emergency after Valentine’s Day, call your dentist immediately so that they can help you find the relief you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Manpreet Dhaliwal is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. He’s proud to currently be serving the Auburn community as a dentist, and he’s happy to accept same-day appointments for patients who are in need of emergency dental care. If you would like to schedule a post-Valentine’s Day appointment with Dr. Dhaliwal at Auburn Dental Smiles, visit his website or call (253) 833-2290.
