Easter is traditionally a time when we can plan to relax and enjoy the better weather, and of course, some seasonal treats. Giving eggs is an ancient tradition that can be traced back to Greek and Roman times, but the idea of gifting chocolate eggs is much more modern, dating back to the early nineteenth century when France and Germany began producing these treats. Nowadays, chocolate-shaped eggs, bunnies and chicks are everywhere, but the increased sugar consumption can damage oral health. However, there are ways you and your family can enjoy Easter while minimizing damage to your dental health in Whitby.

Choose When You Eat Chocolate Carefully

While excess sugar consumption may not be good for overall health, there are benefits for your teeth in enjoying chocolate treats in fewer sittings. When you eat something sugary, the bacteria naturally present in your mouth feed on the leftovers and produce acids that soften and erode tooth enamel. The more often teeth are exposed to these acids, the greater the risk of tooth decay in Oshawa.

After eating something sweet, it takes around half an hour for acidity levels to begin to normalize, so if you start snacking on chocolate or other Easter candies, acidity levels remain higher for longer and the damage to your teeth increases. Ideally, plan to finish a main meal with chocolate when your mouth is naturally more acidic, and you are producing more saliva. Saliva is a protective fluid that will help wash away the chocolate more easily as it melts in your mouth and restores more neutral pH levels more quickly.

When it comes to the type of chocolate, it’s good news if you are a dark chocolate lover. Dark chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa and less sugar than milk and white chocolate, and the darker, the better.

Damage Control

After eating chocolate, it’s tempting to reach for the toothbrush immediately, but instead, it’s better to let the taste of chocolate linger. Wait at least half an hour so your tooth enamel can re-harden afterwards as acidity levels decline. While you are waiting, drink plenty of water and swish it around your mouth to help wash away bacteria and food debris. If you can’t brush your teeth, chew some sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow. It’s even better if you can find gum containing xylitol, which helps to fight harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Developing Easter Family Traditions That Are Less Chocolate Oriented

Children are not born craving chocolate, and they only develop a taste for sugary foods when given to them. If you have kids, look for low sugar treats or take an alternative approach to Easter. Plan family events like a picnic or barbecue.

Arrange an Easter Egg hunt with small toys instead of eggs or do other family bonding activities. Look for healthy Easter recipes you can cook together and which can become a new family tradition. Make Easter baskets that are theme-based, such as going camping or hiking, containing items needed for these trips. There are lots of ways to create lasting Easter memories without harming dental health.

Any break in routine can disrupt regular tooth brushing and flossing, but it is even more important to clean teeth thoroughly after celebratory meals and sweet treats. A good daily routine takes less than ten minutes and benefits oral health and general wellbeing. Don’t forget regular dental checkups for the entire family here at Margolian Dentistry. We usually like to see our patients twice yearly for checkups and dental cleanings in Ajax, so if you are overdue, why not book that appointment now.