Who does not love festivals! We all celebrate different festivals all around the year. The varieties of food items during family dinner gatherings and treats are the most tempting part of celebrations. Most people would agree that the main reason to celebrate festivals is food. In between all the festivities, we tend to forget about health needs and how all the food we consume might adversely affect our oral and general health. If you do not follow standard oral health practices, sweets can end up as the reason for compromised oral health.
This does not mean we stop enjoying all these delicacies, as it is a prerequisite and food is a part of our lifestyle. A few lifestyle changes and by following a few tips for oral care during these festivals, you will be able to celebrate all the tasty food that festivals bring with them, and at the same time, maintain your teeth sparkling white. This article will provide simple and effective tips for oral care, which you can adopt while serving festive foods for your loved ones.
Why Are Sweets Bad for Oral Health?
Factors like the frequency of eating sweets and the microorganisms present in the mouth are to be blamed for tooth decay and not just sugar. You can eat treats and sweets if you are aware of when and how it can be harmful to your teeth. When you eat sweets, the bits and pieces that get stuck on the tooth surfaces or between teeth, which you fail to rinse out, are the problem. Bacteria that are naturally present in your oral cavity convert these sugars into acids. This acid production can dissolve or demineralize tooth structures and result in caries or tooth decay.
Good oral hygiene practices can avoid this. You can have as many sweets (provided it does not affect your general health) as you want without thinking about painful dentist appointments after the festival. The rule is not to let sugar stay on the tooth surface for more than 10 to 20 minutes. As soon as you enjoy your candy or dessert, the bacteria present in the mouth also start enjoying the sweet you eat, and they produce acids as the byproduct, which can dissolve your teeth. Once the minerals present on the tooth surface get dissolved, bacteria can enter deeper into the tooth and affect the nerve, resulting in tooth decay, sensitivity, and pain.
Our body secretes saliva to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria and protect our teeth and remineralize tooth structure to an extent. Your saliva contains calcium, phosphate, and other minerals that help the enamel repair itself and strengthens your teeth. But if your sugar consumption is more frequent, the amount of remineralization that takes place does not compensate for demineralization, and again results in tooth structure destruction.
Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the two most common destructive bacteria found in the oral cavity. Both these bacteria get attracted to the sugar in our diet and feed on it, forming dental plaque (sticky and colorless film on the teeth surface). If plaque is not washed by saliva or brushing, the mouth's pH becomes acidic, and cavities start to form.
Apart from affecting teeth, sugar can also cause gum diseases. Gum diseases can lead to periodontitis, which is an infection of the gum tissues and surrounding bones. If left untreated, bacteria can travel to the joints and affect the heart, kidneys, liver, and other organs.
What Are the Dietary Habits That Cause Tooth Decay During Festivals?
The following dietary habits help in the formation of cavities or tooth decay:
1) Snacks High on Sugar - Frequent consumption of treats and sugary snacks leads to cavities. Eating such snacks in between meals increases the time your teeth get exposed to the acids in the mouth, resulting in tooth decay. It is best to consume sweets along with your meals and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
2) Sugary Soft Drinks - Sugary soft drinks and energy drinks have high levels of acids that can result in caries. A study linked consuming 1 to 2 sugary beverages a day to a 31% more risk of cavities. So, avoid serving eggnogs and aerated drinks with your meal. Instead, serve sugar-free and dairy-free drinks or just plain water so your guests can sip on them.
3) Sticky Treats - All the sticky puddings, hard candies, and lollipops sure taste great, but these foods act as a long-lasting source of sugar. Such foods stick to the tooth surfaces and gradually release sugars, leading to more acid production and prolonged periods of demineralization.
4) Opening Bottles With Teeth - Trying to open bottles with your teeth can result in tooth fracture. The outermost portion of your tooth can chip, or the entire tooth can break, resulting in pain and swelling, as bacteria enter and infect the tooth through such cracks.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay During the Festival Season?
You can enjoy the festivities and maintain your oral health by sticking to these simple tips:
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Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. When you are properly hydrated, there is plenty of saliva production in the mouth, which flushes out all the foods, acids, and bacteria present on the teeth. This also prevents bad breath or halitosis.
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Never try to open the beer bottles or soft drink bottles with your teeth. This is the most common cause of people returning with a chipped or broken tooth from festival dinners.
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Carry your toothbrush or a water flosser to family gatherings, so you can quickly brush or clean the spaces between teeth immediately after you eat.
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Limit the consumption of acidic beverages, fried foods, and sweets. It will prevent you from feeling lethargic and also protect your teeth. They are unhealthy and can affect your overall health. Instead, fill your plates with salads and foods rich in protein and fiber. If you must, drink soft drinks using a straw, so these acidic drinks do not come in contact with your teeth much.
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Chewing on sugar-free gum will help in the production of more saliva and also avoid cravings to snack on something sweet or fried. It will keep your breath fresh.
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All the food you eat during festivities will increase the number of bacteria and acid in your mouth. Using antibacterial mouthwash after you brush your teeth will help reduce the bacterial load.
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Do not forget to floss to pull out the festival meat stuck in your teeth.
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Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it will protect your teeth.
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Avoid food items that contain a lot of preservatives and artificial coloring. Acids used in preservatives damage your tooth enamel, and artificial colors stain your teeth.
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To prevent bad breath after all the food and alcohol, remember to use your tongue cleaner to remove plaque from the tongue's surface.
The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is by visiting your dentist every six months.
