The sticky truth about sweets

With the Easter holiday around the corner, many of us are thinking about baskets of candy and Easter egg hunts. As tasty as chocolates and sweets can be, they can also negatively impact the smile’s health. Sugars and acids in these treats left on the teeth and gums can contribute to the development of common dental problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. McLean, VA area patients who are ready to learn about ways to maintain their oral health during these times will find that our team, including Dr. Chong Lee, can educate them on tips for maintaining oral health.

Below are just a few of the typical recommendations made by our team at Galleria Dental Aesthetics for achieving and maintaining good oral health:

• Brush after every meal and snack. Food particles that are stuck between or on the teeth can contribute to issues such as periodontal disease or cavities. By brushing immediately after eating candy, many patients can keep these acids and sugars from impacting their smile’s health.
• Avoid hard candies. Not only do hard candies last longer and cause sugar to have long-term contact with the natural tooth enamel, they can also increase the risk of chipping or cracking teeth.
• Avoid sticky candies. Sticky candies can also become stuck on or in-between teeth, contributing to cavities long after they’ve been consumed.
• Floss. Many patients, including children, skip flossing, but this step in oral hygiene is just as important as brushing. Flossing can remove particles of food that become stuck between the teeth and can contribute to cavities and disease. Be sure to teach your children the importance of flossing, and help guide them towards options that are easier for them to handle.

Interested in learning about ways to care for your smile?

Dental health and wellness starts at home. If you are ready to speak to a professional about the benefits of a proper diet, we invite you to call Dr. Chong Lee and his team at Galleria Dental Associates by calling (703) 448-1020. We are located at 1600 Tysons Boulevard, Suite #120 in McLean, VA and accept new patients.