Halloween isn’t the only cavity holiday. Heart shaped boxes of chocolates, candy hearts, peanut butter hearts, and M&Ms are just a few popular candies every Valentine’s Day. These treats have concentrated amounts of sugar. Whenever sugar comes in contact with the bacteria in your mouth, an acid is produced that attacks teeth and can cause cavities.

Each tooth is covered by a hard mineral substance called enamel. The enamel helps to protect your teeth, but because it’s a mineral, it can break down when it makes contact with the acids in your mouth. This is one of many reasons why drinking water is really good for the health of your mouth. It washes over your teeth and gums along with your saliva, helping to combat the acid and buildup of bacteria. Sugars and starches are the main enemies here, because bacteria thrive on them.

Once enough bacteria builds up, it’s going to form into plaque and then tartar, two or more enemies of your enamel. If you fail to take care of your teeth by brushing, flossing and drinking plenty of water, then the tartar and plaque will eventually eat away at the enamel, forming tiny holes that compromise the hard surface. This is what’s known as tooth decay. If enough acid builds up over time, these tiny holes get a little larger until they eventually become cavities.

So what to do this Valentines Day??? 

Some foods and candies create more problems for your teeth than others, including those that are sticky, dissolve slowly or are sucked, such as lollipops, hard candies, toffee, gum drops, taffy, caramel, peanut brittle, and high-energy sports bars. Make wise candy choices this Valentine’s Day or do indulge in your Valentine’s treat but make sure to maintain good oral health. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, flossing once per day, drinking lots of water and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash are all excellent preventative measures. You can also avoid sugary or starchy foods and, of course, visit your dentist twice a year for regular, professional cleanings. (http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/problems/how-do-cavities-form.htm)

If you need to schedule a cleaning or check-up please do not hesitate and call today (972-233-1311)

❤️❤️HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM DR. MITCHELL & STAFF ❤️❤️