Sugar leads to cavities; you’ve probably been hearing that from dentists ever since you were a child. However, when you have a sweet tooth, staying away from sugar is easier said than done. But you don’t have to give up on sweets to keep your smile safe! Here are 4 tips that can help you prevent cavities despite your love of sugar.

1. Brush Often and Brush Well

Sugar causes plaque to build up on your teeth. Plaque can be easily removed by brushing, but if it’s left alone for too long, it can harden into tartar, which is impossible to remove on your own. As such, if you consume a lot of sugar, you should be brushing at least twice a day to keep your plaque under control.

Make sure that you’re thorough with your brushing; pay close attention to the gum line, the backs of your teeth, and any other areas that might be easy to overlook. Pay attention to the quality of your toothbrush. If the bristles become frayed, they won’t clean as well. Generally speaking, you should get a new toothbrush every three to four months.

2. Start Using Dental Floss and Mouthwash

Sometimes sugar can get stuck between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Dental floss is generally the most reliable option for cleaning these areas, so if you aren’t already flossing, make it a part of your dental routine right away. You should also start using mouthwash to remove as much sugar and sticky residue from your mouth as possible.

3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free gum can be a very tooth-friendly option if you need something to chew. While you’re chewing on the gum, your mouth will produce more saliva, which helps remove any sugar that might be clinging to your teeth. This way, you can indulge your sweet tooth a bit while actively protecting your smile.

4. Choose More Tooth-Friendly Snacks

You don’t need to give up sweets entirely, but you should try to limit how many you have daily. Find some alternative snacks that you can enjoy; fruits such as bananas and apples can be tasty options that also help improve your oral health. Furthermore, when you do decide to eat something sugary, remember that sticky treats like fudge and taffy tend to stay in the mouth for a long time. Try choosing options such as pound cake that won’t prolong your teeth’s exposure to sugar.

These are a few ideas for how you can take the initiative in protecting your smile from sugar. If you still have concerns, remember that you can always ask your dentist for additional tips during your next preventive appointment.

About the Practice

At Kraft & Schrott Dental Associates, multiple dental specialists combine their skills to provide exceptional dental care for patients of all ages. We offer regular dental checkups and cleanings as well as a number of other services designed to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you’d like to schedule an appointment at our Boston office, visit our website or call (617) 227-4924.