It’s that time of year, where chocolate and treats are on every child’s (and adult’s) mind and it’s inevitable that children will enjoy a source of sugar over the holidays.

With Easter comes plenty of chocolate Easter Eggs which can be enjoyed in moderation. It’s always good to practice balance, so when indulging in sugary foods, you need to maintain good oral care to reduce any impacts on the health of your teeth.

Dr Vanessa Creaven and Dr Lisa Creaven, dentists and founders of Spotlight Oral Care have compiled their top tips to protect your teeth this Easter.

  1. Wash Down Your Chocolate With Water

Drink water after consuming chocolate or sweets, to limit the time sugar remains on your teeth

  1. Eat Chocolate At Main Meal Times

Eat in one session after meals and try not to continuously snack throughout the day. When you eat your mouth produces saliva that protects your tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Eating your chocolate after meals means your mouth is already producing saliva and will be better equipped to fight a sugar-induced acid attack

  1. Use Products With Active Ingredients

Increase Fluoride in your oral health care routine. Brushing twice a day with a Toothpaste that contains the key active ingredient Fluoride is essential to prevent cavities and decay

  1. Don’t Brush Directly After Eating

Avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes after eating sugary foods as acid from the food can remain in your mouth and brushing too soon after eating sugary or acidic foods can damage the enamel

  1. Brush Twice A Day

Keep up your routine of brushing twice daily for at least 2 minutes. Brushing is the only effective way to reduce plaque build-up and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. We recommend brushing your teeth and gums for two minutes, even if your teeth feel clean after one! Brush first thing in the morning (before breakfast!) and last thing at night, once you’ve finished all your snacks! For those with kids, make sure to supervise when brushing to ensure their teeth are clean before bed

  1. Floss!

Floss at least once a day and use mouthwash in between meals. This will ensure that sugar will not be sitting on your teeth all night and day, decreasing the risk of getting cavities. Make sure you floss at least once a day to remove any debris between your teeth that your toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing and using a Water Flosser also helps remove plaque and food particles underneath your gum line.

  1. Healthier Choices

Swap to dark chocolate where possible as it contains less refined sugar making it healthier for you and your teeth

  1. Moderation!

Moderation is key–space out your sweets and try to limit the sticky ones that will stay stuck to your teeth