Over the Easter weekend many of us will have received some chocolatey treats from our loved ones. While eating chocolate in moderation is fine for our health, too much can cause problems. This is also the case for our teeth, as the sweet treat has the potential to cause decay and even loss of enamel.
With this in mind Amanda Sheehan, dental therapist and hygienist for TePe, spoke with Express.co.uk to explain more.
“The high amount of sugar in chocolate can cause harmful plaque build-up which, if left on the teeth, can lead to cavities, tooth decay and can contribute to gum disease,” she said.
“Although eating too much chocolate can be harmful to the teeth, the good news is, cavities and gum disease are preventable, especially if we practise good oral health.”
One such way to prevent damage is waiting to brush your teeth after eating chocolate.
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She said: “Make sure to wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth after eating anything containing acid or sugar (such as a chocolate egg) to maintain strong enamel.
“And remember, always go to bed with clean teeth – the production of saliva is reduced at night, which lowers the saliva’s effectiveness in neutralising the acids produced by lingering plaque.”
This is supported by the American Dental Association, which recommends leaving at least 30 minutes between eating and brushing.
“Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing – especially if you have had something acidic like lemons, grapefruit or soda,” it says.
“Drink water or chew sugarless gum to help clean your mouth while you are waiting to brush.”
Ms Sheehan shared her other tips for safely enjoying chocolate.
Moderation
“The key to enjoying chocolate while looking after your dental health is to take an ‘everything in moderation’ approach,” she said.
“According to NHS guidelines, adults should consume no more than 30 grams of free sugars a day – that is sugars which are added to food or drinks and often found in chocolate, biscuits, fizzy drinks, as well as foods such as honey, syrups, fruit juices and smoothies.
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“Make sure you read the ingredients list on your Easter goodies and sweet treats, as this will provide a better understanding of how much you should be eating based on the daily recommended sugar allowances.”
Save chocolate for after mealtimes
She said: “It is not only the amount of sugary snacks eaten that could cause tooth decay, but how often they are consumed.
“Each time sugary foods are eaten, plaque in the mouth combines with sugar to produce acid.
“This acid attacks the teeth and over time can destroy the tooth structure.
“Frequent snacking between meals will not give the teeth the chance to recover from the acid attacks.
“Instead of grazing on sweet temptations throughout the day, allocate a set time for sugary snacks and chocolate.
“For instance, save Easter eggs for after mealtimes as a dessert, and choose water when thirsty instead of sweet or acidic drinks.”
Increase water intake
“Drinking a glass of water after eating sugary foods, such as chocolate, can also help to wash away any residue or bacteria and debris from the teeth,” she added.
