Let’s face it. Dessert is a sweet tooth’s kryptonite and no matter how much we try to pass up on a sugar fix, we will eventually succumb to our cravings. But sugar has a negative effect not only on our overall health but also on our teeth and gums. As you know, sugar promotes bacterial growth on our teeth, which is the number one cause of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. However, this must not discourage you from getting your regular dose of sugar as there are ways to prevent periodontal disease without necessarily saying goodbye to desserts. Just follow these tips and you can enjoy your regular sugar fix without the guilt.
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is the first step towards healthier teeth and gums. By brushing, flossing and gargling with antibacterial mouthwash, you can prevent the formation of plaque, the sticky layer of gunk on your teeth which provides food and shelter to the harmful bacteria which causes gum infection and inflammation. Dentists also recommend this as an integral part of the periodontitis treatment. But for a sweet tooth like you, it’s a good preventive measure against periodontal diseases as it prevents sugar from sticking on teeth. After every meal or snack and before or after going to bed, make sure to brush and floss your teeth.
If you cannot brush your teeth right away, you can gargle after meal and snack time. While it’s not as good as brushing your teeth, it helps prevent food particles from sticking on and between your teeth. Just take a mouthful of water and swish it around your teeth for a few minutes before spitting to eliminate food particles stuck within the recesses of your mouth. Repeat this twice or thrice to ensure that no food particle is left behind. You can also use alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash as it not removes food particles on teeth but also gets rid of bacteria along with it.
Last but not the least, a regular visit to the dentist can also ensure the health of your teeth and gums. He or she may also be able to determine any signs of periodontal diseases and prescribe the appropriate periodontal disease treatment. As the first stages of periodontal diseases can rarely be detected sometimes, we don’t realize we have one until it’s too late. That is why regular checkups are necessary in order for you to know the current status of your dental health. Apart from that, a dentist can administer deep cleaning and filling of holes to prevent tooth decay.