Orthodontist shares 5 festive eating habits that prevent cavities: Choosing treats wisely to following oral hygiene routine | Health

Being mindful while consuming sweets during festivals can help us enjoy ourselves while lowering the risk of cavities. (Pexel) Not all sweets pose an equal risk of cavities; neither do all consumption habits. Dr Nedungadi shares five simple rules to follow to enjoy without worrying. Festivals in India are incomplete without a table full of mithai, boxes of chocolates, crispy snacks, and endless rounds of treats offered to guests. While that might be a party for the taste buds, it is not so for the teeth, cautioned orthodontist Dr Aditi Nedungadi in an interaction with HT Lifestyle.

The high-sugar diet during the festive season can significantly raise the risk of cavities. However, Dr Nedungadi shared five mindful eating habits that can help one indulge in the festivities while keeping the teeth healthy.

Eating sugary foods means that the teeth are constantly being attacked by acid. In the words of Dr Nedungadi, “The sugar is what feeds the bacteria in your mouth and subsequently forms acids that wear down your enamel over time.”

Rather than snacking on sweets all day, the orthodontist suggested eating sweets with meals. She explained that saliva production increases during meals, helping neutralise acids and wash away food particles.

“Not all sweets are equally harmful to your teeth,” pointed out the orthodontist. She explained that sticky sweets such as caramel-based mithai, chikki and some dried-fruit preparations can cling to the teeth and keep sugar in the mouth for longer.

“You do not need to give them up entirely, but limit how often you consume them. Choose treats that are easier to clear from your teeth and enjoy sticky sweets in moderation,” stated Dr Nedungadi.

Between festive meals, sugary beverages, soft drinks, and packaged juices can add to the day's sugar intake.

“Water is a better choice for keeping your mouth hydrated and helping rinse away food particles,” shared Dr Nedungadi. “Drinking water after eating sweets can help clear some residue from your mouth.”

Following the feasts, it is better to choose tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese, plain yoghurt, nuts, and crunchy vegetables.

“Cheese is high in calcium and can also help stimulate saliva, and nuts are nutrient-dense and sugar-free, unlike most desserts. These foods complement a balanced diet and support oral health, although they cannot replace brushing and flossing,” pointed out the orthodontist.

As Dr Nedungadi stated, “After late-night parties and post-dinner celebrations, it can be all too tempting to skip brushing before bed. But it's a good habit to maintain, even on the busiest of days. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.”

Festivals are meant to be enjoyed, and sweets are often part of the tradition. By being mindful of how often one eats sugary foods and maintaining a consistent oral care routine, the orthodontist stated that we can celebrate without compromising our dental health.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Dr Aditi Nedungadi, MDS - orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, is associated with Laxmi Dental Limited. She has more than 12 years of clinical experience.

Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research.Read More