I certainly endorse the opinion and advice given by Dr. Disraeli for a cavity free holiday.
I personally would like to add, few important points, based on science and experience for the last thirty years of dental practice.
An ‘Exposure Theory ’ reveals to mankind that 1st bite of chocolate (especially milk and cocoa based) or any sweets is well tolerated by Human teeth enamel. (Animals DO NOT each chocolates unless pampered as PETS!)
It is an extreme urge to plunge in to the second exposure of sweets, where the whole sad story for holes (cavities) starts with.
Sweets, being sugar based , the moment it comes in contact with smooth or rough surfaced enamel along with saliva in the mouth, it starts becoming ACIDIC with lowering PH.
1st exposure though, is easily well tolerated by sound and smooth enamels it is the second and the 3rd that roughens the enamel of premolar or molars ( mainly because of the anatomy and morphology to chew and then the burrowed wasp in the cusps & grooves of grinders act as ware house effect, supplying residual sugar from entrapped sweets to weaken the burrows further and making them deep.
In a holiday tour, one is bound to eat sweets and sugary items because of the apt mood. If one can avoid the 2nd and 3rd exposure of sweets , say within 30 to 45 minutes of the 1st one , it is quite ok to indulge in sugary diet.
It also depends on how vulnerable is the qualitative enamel of one’s teeth. Some human are blessed with toughened enamel ,which can resist n number of exposures to sweets. But if not so strong, (might be genetics plays major role) BEWARE of multiple exposure of sweets in one go.
Take of the thought Lesser the Better !!! :)
"About Dr. Disraeli's Tips for tooth friendly holidays "
Hillcrest San Diego Dentist Doug Disraeli agrees with the saying 'You are what you eat' when it comes to the health of your teeth, and recommends incorporating foods such as dairy (except for those that are lactose intolerant) products and high fiber fruits and vegetables into your holiday meal for a tooth-friendly feast.
"Holiday meals offer starchy and sweet foods that increase plaque buildup on teeth, which can lead to cavities or gingivitis," says Dr. Disraeli. "Combating unhealthy options with tooth-friendly foods such as asparagus or milk promotes a healthy holiday smile."
High fiber fruits and vegetables act as a detergent, helping to remove plaque, and promote saliva flow, which aids in neutralizing acids that attack tooth enamel. Suggestions: Peas, onions, broccoli, kale, apples, pears, raspberries.
Dairy products provide calcium that builds stronger enamel, offering protection from sugars and starches. Suggestions: milk, yogurt, cheese.
Items to consume in moderation during the holidays include:
-- Sugar - the #1 culprit causing cavities.
-- Alcohol - wears away tooth enamel, discolors teeth and makes teeth
vulnerable to cavities.
-- Energy drinks, such as Gatorade and Red Bull - highly acidic and can
wear away enamel at a faster rate than normal.
Dr. Disraeli is the owner of the Hillcrest, San Diego dental practice Doug Disraeli, D.D.S. specializing in cosmetic, implant, restorative and general dentistry. Dr. Disraeli is available to offer comments on healthy eating and drinking habits during this holiday season.
