Valentine’s Day is coming up, and boxes of chocolate and candy hearts are flying off the shelves as we speak. But your family dentist in Framingham has one question — are your and your sweetie’s smiles ready for one of the sugariest of holidays known to man? Below, we share our top 5 tips for protecting your pearly whites from cupid’s arrows.
#1: BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY
If you aren’t already in the habit of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, there’s never been a better time to start than in anticipation of February 14. These are the fundamentals of every healthy and complete smile — and they are especially important when you are indulging in candy and chocolates. Brush and floss gently but thoroughly to preserve your delicate gum tissue.
#2: BUT WAIT A SECOND TO BRUSH
While it is important to brush your teeth, and you may want to brush soon after you eat a candy heart or coconut-filled chocolate, it’s actually best to wait about 30 minutes before you whip out the toothbrush. Sugar is acidic, which means your teeth are more vulnerable in the period right after exposure. Waiting a brief moment will allow the saliva to neutralize the acidity so that you can clean away.
#3: KNOW WHAT TO AVOID
There are some treats that you should avoid altogether this time of year — like anything especially hard, crunchy, or sticky. Eating items like these put your teeth at a greater risk of breaking or chipping, and nothing kills the Valentine’s mood like needing an emergency visit to the dentist.
#4: TIME YOUR INDULGENCES
Your mouth generates more protective saliva during a meal than it does for a snack, which means you’ll be doing your oral health a favor if you eat dessert soon after a meal rather than mid-afternoon or late at night. Admittedly not so romantic to think about, but saliva washes away excess sugar and food particles that may accelerate decay if allowed to linger for too long.
#5: VISIT THE DENTIST
After Valentine’s is over, why not visit the dentist? If it’s been awhile since your last appointment, you want your dentist to ensure you made it through the entire holiday season (beginning with Halloween) without any developing any tooth decay or gum disease. And if you have dental insurance, this preventive dentistry visit will be covered a great deal!
To conclude, Valentine’s Day is a sweet time — but that same sweetness can put your smile at risk of several problems. Follow the steps we’ve listed above and keep smiling big in 2019!
MEET THE PRACTICE
Your dentists in Framingham are Dr. Mark Fried, Dr. Julie Werman, Dr. Maria Thomas and Dr. Erin Breen. Together, this team offers exceptional dental care and specialized treatments in their state-of-the-art office. If you’re getting ready for an extra-sweet Valentine’s Day in 2019, they invite you to book a checkup and cleaning by calling 508-872-9339 today.
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