We all already know sugar is bad for our teeth – and as much as we like to think otherwise, unfortunately sugar still counts EVEN during the holidays (we’re sad about it too). But you can’t skip out on an advent calendar!
Here’s how to have your chocolate, and eat it too – without your teeth paying the price!
Timing Is Everything
Advent calendars are only a small amount of chocolate, but since you’re going to be eating it every day for almost a month, the time you decide to open your advent calendar could be the deciding factor between a happy holiday season or dental decline…
You (or your children) should try to eat your advent chocolate at least an hour before toothbrushing, either in the morning or the evening. You might think that brushing your teeth straight away is a good idea, but it’s actually the opposite. Sugar softens the enamel of the teeth, and by brushing straight away, you’re also scrubbing away your weakened enamel. Instead, follow your chocolate with a glass of water or a rinse of the mouth to wash away any residual sugars.
Another opportune moment for eating your daily advent chocolate is immediately after a meal, either breakfast or dinner. When we eat, it triggers saliva production, which works to neutralise acids in our mouths and protect our teeth through a process called remineralisation. By saving your advent chocolate for after a meal, your teeth have already begun to protect themselves, giving you extra defense against the higher sugar content of chocolate.
Choosing an Advent Calendar
If you’re running a bit behind this year and haven’t chosen an advent calendar yet, don’t worry! You still have time to make sure you’re choosing the best advent calendar for your teeth.
Dark chocolate is your ‘safest’ form of chocolate as it has less sugar content, and a larger concentration of cocoa which is high in antioxidants.
Milk chocolate has a significantly higher sugar concentration, but is okay in moderation, especially if you follow our advice for eating chocolate in a way that’s kinder to your teeth.
We recommend avoiding white chocolate as it is almost entirely sugar and milk, making it the worst culprit in terms of your teeth.
For the best option, however, we advise dodging chocolate all together. Instead of buying a chocolate calendar, choose a calendar with beauty products etc.
Why not put a personal twist on your advent calendar by wrapping small items such as pocket money toys, socks, or makeup items, then numbering each parcel? This can be an especially fun game for younger children as you can get creative by hiding the parcels around the house for them to search for.
As always, if you have any concerns about your teeth before or during the festive period, come see us and we’ll be happy to help!