HEALTH + WELLNESS
SEASONAL SMILE
Protecting the teeth during the season of good food , wine and sweet treats - and overcoming the negative impact on teeth
THE FESTIVE SEASON HAS BEEN KNOWN TO BE THE MOST INDULGENT SEASON OF THE YEAR , WHERE WE ALL FALL VICTIM TO EXCESS . WHETHER IT IS TOO MUCH WINE AT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY , OR TOO MANY MINCE PIES , WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF CONSUMING WELL ABOVE OUR DAILY INTAKE OF SUGAR , WHICH CAN TAKE ITS TOLL ON OUR TEETH AND GUMS . ANNA MIDDLETON , LEADING DENTAL HYGIENIST AND FOUNDER OF LONDON HYGIENIST , SHARES HER TOP TIPS ON HOW TO PROTECT YOUR TEETH FROM DECAY AND EROSION THIS FESTIVE PERIOD .
1 . Use a straw ( not a plastic one )
Up to 80 % of common tooth problems are caused by acid attacks on the teeth , leading to erosion which is the permanent and irreversible wearing away of enamel - the hard outer part of the tooth .
Wine , beer , spirits and mixed drinks are acidic and have high sugar content . In addition , alcohol also causes dehydration and dry mouth , which can lead to erosion , decay and an increased risk of gum disease . One way to minimise damage when you are drinking this season is to use a straw so the drink doesn ’ t bathe your teeth with acid , or too much sugar .
2 . Do not skip your bedtime routine
As tempting as it is to come home and fall straight into bed after all those nibbles and drinks , it is important to ramp up your oral hygiene routine .
Make sure you are using a fluoride toothpaste to protect against damage . I recommend Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste as it can help remineralise early enamel erosion . Be sure to spit , but not rinse before bed to leave some of the toothpaste behind to protect the teeth .
Another top tip is to make sure you don ’ t forget to clean in between the teeth too with either floss or interdental brushes , as brushing only cleans 60- 65 % of the tooth surface . Plaque and food debris left behind over time can lead to decay and gum disease .
3 . Snack safely & stay hydrated
We all consume a lot of food and drink at Christmas . However , did you know it is not the amount of food and drink you consume that can have a negative affect on your teeth , it is actually the frequency in which you are having them .
The main cause of tooth decay is poor food and beverage choices - particularly those with high levels of sugar . When these are consumed , bacteria in the mouth thrives and grows off the sugar consumed . The bacteria then cling to the teeth , creating a chemical reaction that then eats away at the enamel . When this layer erodes , teeth become susceptible to damage and decay .
Try not to snack too much in between meals to reduce the risk . There are some safe snacks which can minimize damage , such as raw vegetables , crisps and cheese .
Regular water intake is crucial , not only to keep you hydrated but also to help rinse away acid and food debris between snacks . Avoid coffee shop festive coffees if you can as they have an extremely high sugar and fat content .
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