Between candy canes, eggnog, and Christmas cookies, sweet treats abound at the end of the year. We’ve provided a lot of people with replacement teeth at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists, and would hate to see anybody have another outbreak of gingivitis due to tooth decay. But we want our patients to enjoy the holiday fun, too, so we thought we’d offer some suggestions for teeth-friendly winter socializing.
The longer the teeth are exposed to sugar, the more time bacteria will have to eat it and produce acid. Bacteria are able to consume simple sugars quickly, but they can also metabolize starch. Bits of food debris lodged in between teeth and dental cusps are obviously a potential source of decay, but so is the residue left by sugary drinks. Hard candy is also a tooth decay hazard because it remains in contact with the teeth for a long time and tends to deplete the mouth’s saliva, which is needed to rinse away food debris and maintain the mouth’s pH level.
People produce the most saliva while eating large meals, but socializing sometimes prevents us from avoiding snacks and drinks. Often, it is still acceptable to chew sugar-free gum (as long as it is spat out discreetly). This will dislodge some food and stimulate saliva production. Another option is to alternate sips of water with sips of other drinks to prevent dry mouth and give the teeth a wash. We can also try to favor sugar-free candy and remember to bring floss with us to use when convenient.
Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.
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