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Oral Care After Valentine’s Day Candy: Protect Your Teeth With These Tips

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By Restoration Smiles

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. The celebration of the day includes munching on a lot of junk that can cause harm to our oral health.

But you can reverse the situation by following the below-mentioned oral care tips post-Valentine’s Day. 

Rinse After Sweet Treats

Love is sweet. So are the Valentine’s Day treats. We all know candy leaves sugary residue on teeth. If it remains there too long, you might struggle with oral bacterial growth. It can cause bad breath, tooth cavities, and gum disease. 

Simply rinsing your mouth post-meals with water can wash away leftover sugars. This prevents sugar from sticking to your teeth and reduces plaque formation around the gum line.

Brush and Floss 

We cannot emphasize the importance of daily brushing and flossing. Just brush twice daily and floss once a day for squeaky clean teeth. 

To make your brushing routine more effective, you can use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes. It strengthens your teeth’ enamel and fights decay. It’s also recommended to replace your toothbrush every three months for cleanliness.

Flossing removes food debris between teeth and prevents sugar accumulation inside the mouth.

Schedule a Dental Check-Up

A no-brainer post-Valentine’s Day oral care tip is visiting your dentist. Know how your teeth are and what you can do to improve their health. Even a simple oral cleaning session can go a long way. It can remove tartar from your gum and teeth and even brighten your smile. 

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Want a quick fix for your post-meals breath? Slip a sugarless gum in your mouth. 

While it’s wise to opt for a dentist’s assistance to treat mouth odor, sugar-free gums can do the trick for a while. 

Sugar-free gum increases saliva production and helps you get rid of food particles. Gums containing xylitol prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth and reduce oral cavity risk.

Avoid Sticky and Hard Candies

It might be tough to say no to candies on the day of love. You must steer clear of candies, like caramels and lollipops. They cling to teeth or take longer to dissolve. 

You can choose cocoa-rich dark chocolates as they pose less risk to teeth.

Hydrate Throughout the Day

Sip in a cup of water any chance you get. Water helps rinse away sugars and keeps your mouth hydrated. A dry mouth encourages bacterial growth that poses the risk of oral cavities and perio breath. 

Consume Tooth-Friendly Foods

You had a bar of chocolate in the morning. Why not balance your diet by replacing sugary evening snacks with dairy products or crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery? They naturally clean your teeth and freshen up your breath.

Use Mouthwash for Extra Protection

Don’t skip mouthwash. An antimicrobial mouthwash can work as an extra layer of protection. It reaches areas your toothbrush can’t and helps reduce plaque. Use it after brushing for best results.

Taking care of your teeth after enjoying Valentine’s Day candy is essential to maintain your oral health. These oral care tips for Valentine’s Day can be the thin line between a dull smile and a smile that lights up a room. Don’t forget to schedule a dental visit post-celebration for a thorough cleaning and check-up.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!