The Eskulapi Team of Professionals Advises You on How to Care for Your Teeth During the New Year Holidays
During the New Year season, your teeth undergo extra stress, and one of the most important dietary components that negatively affects dental health is sugar. The more sugar we consume, the faster bacteria multiply in the oral cavity, leading to tooth decay.
Sugar and Tooth Decay
We often hear that sugary foods are among the primary causes of tooth decay. You can read more about why this is the case in detail on our blog.
Tooth decay involves the demineralization and softening of the hard dental tissues, followed by the formation of cavities. The human mouth contains a vast number of microorganisms that multiply rapidly. The cause of tooth decay is precisely these microorganisms that settle on the hard tissues of the teeth.
A few hours after brushing, the number of bacteria can rise to the millions, and any form of decay begins with the creation of favorable conditions for their growth.
Keep in mind that for teeth, it’s not the amount of sweets you consume that matters most, but how often you consume them. Saliva needs time to neutralize the harmful effects of sugar. It is less damaging to your teeth if you eat one whole chocolate bar at once, rather than spread it out over the day.
While it’s difficult to completely eliminate sugar from our diet—as it’s found in many products—Eskulapi recommends minimizing its consumption and brushing your teeth after each intake.
Remember, dairy products are the most beneficial for your teeth (of course, unless you have an allergy or lactose intolerance).
Dairy products contain calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These elements enrich your saliva with beneficial substances that positively affect dental health.
Why Are the New Year Holidays More Dangerous for Your Teeth?
We’ve already discussed the harmful effects of sugary foods, but it’s important to note that frequent snacking—even if it’s not just sweets—can also cause tooth damage.
So how can you ensure a healthy holiday season?
Consume sweets only during meals, if possible. But if sweets replace a meal, drink a glass of tap water afterwards.
Brush your teeth after eating or use interdental floss. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the best way to maintain dental health. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Use mouthwash—especially if you’re experiencing bad breath, as this can be a sign that bacteria are building up on your teeth.
Consult with our dentist, who will advise you on the best mouthwash to use.
Balance sweets with a healthy diet—just as sugar and acidic foods promote bacterial growth, healthy foods can help suppress bacteria and even aid in cleaning your teeth. How? When you eat, you produce saliva, which naturally cleanses your teeth.
Note: Be aware that some healthy foods like nuts can be hard and may potentially damage your teeth.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption—alcohol reduces saliva production, especially during sleep. So overdrinking can speed up tooth decay. Lastly, the best thing you can do during the holidays is to schedule a dental visit after your celebrations.
If you don’t have a scheduled appointment or a personal dentist, know that the professional team at Eskulapi is always ready to provide consultations and take care of your healthy smile.
Our doctors will assess your oral health using the latest techniques available at both our locations:
Tbilisi, Gamrekeli N-1 and Lviv N-63.
To receive detailed information, book a consultation or call us:
Davit Gamrekeli Street N-1; Lvov Street N-63, Tbilisi, Georgia