Valentine’s Day is all about love, laughter, and, of course – your favorite dishes and sweets. While indulging in sweets and chocolates is mandatory, too much sugar and neglecting your oral health is not necessary.

The good news is you can enjoy your favorite treats without harming your smile. Follow some simple tips and you will have a bright smile throughout any occasion.

Here’s how you can keep your teeth strong and enjoy your special day.

Choose Tooth-Friendly Treats

Not all Valentine’s sweets are good for your tooth. Some are more harmful than others. You should know more about these sweets, which cause cavities and sensitivity.

• Opt for dark chocolate. This chocolate melts away quickly and also contains less sugar than normal milk chocolate. Besides, dark chocolate has antioxidants that can benefit your oral health. So, you can have dark chocolate in abundance. 
• Better to avoid sticky and chewy candies. Gummies and caramel cling to your teeth and increase the chances of cavities and sensitivity.
• If possible, go for fresh fruits as desserts, and you can have a fantastic Valentine. 

Schedule a Post-Holiday Dental Checkup

After your big day, it is important to schedule a dental cleaning in Austin. 

• Dental checkups catch signs of cavities early.  
• Professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup from your mouth.
• Dentists use fluoride treatment that strengthens your tooth enamel.
• If your sensitivity persists, your dentist can suggest some desensitizing toothpaste.

Rinse and Hydrate After Eating Sweets

• After eating sweets, rinse your mouth with water to wash away the lingering sugar.
• If you take any acidic food, wait for 30 minutes before brushing. Otherwise, the acid can weaken your enamel.
• Have plenty of water throughout the day to promote saliva production and keep your mouth hydrated.  

Practice Moderation and Timed Indulgence

If you take sweets in moderation, the chances of cavities and sensitivity are automatically reduced. Instead of having snacks all day, try these tips.

• Take sweets with meals and not alone. Saliva production increases during meals and this helps wash away sugar from your mouth.
• If you are really craving some sweets, have it. Only staring and thinking about it will result in you having more than necessary.     

Maintain a Strong Oral Hygiene Routine

A proper oral care routine is essential for protecting your teeth against cavities and sensitivity.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to clean between the teeth where sugar residues are likely to hide.
• If you are feeling sensitivity, use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Avoid Extremely Hot or Cold Treats

If your teeth are already sensitive, do these:

• Skip extremely hot and cold items. These food items can worsen your sensitivity.
• Use a straw while drinking sodas or juice. This will limit the direct contact with your teeth.
• Let cold treats warm up a little first. This will reduce the discomfort for your teeth. 

Keep Your Smile Sweet Without the Cavities

If you make smart choices, you can enjoy your Valentine’s Day and also protect your teeth from cavities and sensitivity issues. A little extra care goes a long way in keeping your smile strong and healthy. 

If you haven’t yet scheduled your dental checkup, contact us and book your next appointment.