Beware of excessive sweet and candy consumption during the holiday

Güzin Kırsaçlıoğlu, Member of the European Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry and Turkey Representative of Divas in Dentistry, notes that attention should be paid to consumption of sugary and acidic foods during holidays. She emphasizes that drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum immediately after consuming sweets and sugar during holidays helps reduce the acidic environment in the mouth and prevents cavity formation. Bacteria in the mouth are mostly located on the surfaces of teeth and tongue. Particularly with sugary and starchy foods, acid can form from food debris remaining in the mouth. These acids dissolve the mineral tissue of teeth, causing deterioration of tooth enamel and the start of tooth decay. During Ramadan, oral care lapses and excessive consumption of sweets, chocolate, and Turkish delight result in more frequent mouth and tooth problems.   Addressing the importance of oral and dental health during holidays, Kırsaçlıoğlu stated, "Cavities damage the tooth pulp, leading to tooth decay and causing tooth pain. Among the signs of tooth decay are bad breath, throbbing pain, and sensitivity to hot and cold. The main causes of tooth cavities include failure to perform regular oral hygiene, saliva quality and content, tooth structure, and diet. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can expand and negatively affect daily life. Especially during holidays, the increased consumption of sugary, carbohydrate-rich, and acidic foods leads to more cavities in teeth. To prevent tooth decay, oral hygiene products should be used consciously, attention should be paid to the consumption of sugary and acidic foods, and teeth should be brushed immediately after consuming them. In situations where brushing is not possible, the mouth should be rinsed or sugar-free gum should be chewed."