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As the new year rolls in, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. It’s when couples shower their love on each other through presents like chocolates, wine, and sugary desserts. While being surprised by Valentine’s Day treats feels fantastic, they can leave your smile feeling less than its best.
The delicious treats like candies or wine create the perfect environment inside the mouth for plaque buildup. They often stick to your teeth and feed harmful oral bacteria that cause severe tooth decay. It can be irreversible if left untreated.
So what to do? Simply shift your focus on maintaining healthy oral hygiene to keep your smile bright and your gums strong. Let’s explore tips to restore your teeth health after Valentine’s Day.
Brush Away the Sugar Immediately
Valentine’s Day treats are rich in sugar. Consuming these sugar-laden treats can make them cling to your teeth. Your oral bacteria feed on this sugar, releasing acid inside your mouth that erodes enamel. Constant enamel erosion makes your teeth weak and damage-prone. The best tips to protect your oral health are:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Brush your teeth gently for at least two minutes
- Avoid hard teeth scrubbing
Don’t Forget to Floss
Your brushing efforts may not bring the desirable outcome that you are hoping for. Your oral care routine only comes full circle when you don’t skip flossing. Flossing helps you eliminate food particles and plaque between your teeth. So, always include flossing to ensure every corner of your gumline is clean.
Hydrate to Protect Your Smile
You can follow all the best tips to restore your teeth health after Valentine’s Day, but all will go in vain if you don’t drink enough water. Water helps wash away leftover sugars and acids accumulated around your teeth. The faster you eliminate them, the better your oral health stays.
- You should always choose water over sugary drinks to limit enamel damage.
- You can also use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth after meals or snacks.
Schedule Professional Teeth Cleanings Post-Valentine’s Day
Even with excellent at-home care, you may fail to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. The best solution for your worries is booking a professional teeth cleaning session post-Valentine’s Day. No matter how careful you are at home, nothing comes close to the extent of cleanliness oral cleaning offers. It removes stubborn teeth stains caused by Valentine’s Day treats like wine or coffee. Your dentist can also detect early decay or gum issues during the treatment.
Opt for Tooth-Friendly Snacks
Replace unhealthy Valentine’s Day snacks with healthier choices like apples, carrots, or celery. These crunchy fruits and vegetables scrub your teeth and stimulate saliva production. A recent study shows saliva reduces dental tissue loss and also prevents cavities.
Valentine’s Day indulgence doesn’t have to harm your smile. Let this season of love inspire you to care for your smile every day.
Contact our dental office today to schedule a professional cleaning or discuss post-Valentine’s Day dental care. We’re here to help you protect and brighten your smile!