New survey reveals the trusty toothbrush is our most important item abroad
At last the summer has arrived. And all of that scrimping and saving for that special holiday with the family is getting closer. As we finalise those last minute plans, a new study has revealed that nine out of ten of us consider the mighty toothbrush the most important item to pack in our suitcases.
In a poll of the most important items to take on holiday, a toothbrush brushed off the challenge of holiday essentials such as suncream, sunglasses, a camera and swimwear, to take top spot.
And that toothbrush will definitely come in handy because the study also found that almost one in ten of us rank sweets for the journey as a holiday must-have, with cigarettes favoured by one in 20.
With more than almost 60% of us Brits paying visits to overseas destinations last year, our very own Dr Ewan Bramley has offered holiday-goers some advice on how to care for their teeth whilst lapping up the sun.
He said: “When we go on holiday we often end up letting go a little and snacking through the day if the kids are with us, or we have an all-inclusive package. This means we can do lots of harm to our teeth and gums.
“Snacks and fizzy drinks are of course OK in moderation, but we should try and keep them to meal times only. If we get into a habit of snacking in between meals or drinking anything too sugary, we allow our teeth to be attacked by acid.”
And remember folks, summer foods like vinaigrettes, olives, red wine and ciders are very acidic.
Enamel is the hard, protective coating of the tooth, and if it is worn away, the dentine underneath becomes exposed and teeth can look discoloured and become sensitive.
Sugars from foods like ice-cream, seaside rock and fizzy drinks stimulate the formation of acids that attack the teeth and destroy the enamel. Tooth decay causes cavities and results in the need for fillings.
With this is mind, any good dentist would recommend eating three square meals a day instead of having seven to ten ‘snack attacks’. If we do snack between meals, it is important we choose foods and drinks that do not contain sugar, limiting the amount of time our mouth is at risk.
Chewing on sugar-free gum containing Xylitol may also help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Let’s take a look at the best and worst things to eat and drink on holiday!
The Naughty List
1. Ice cubes
Ice cubes are a double whammy “food” that can be hard on your teeth. The hardness of ice cubes can chip enamel off your teeth and lead to fractures and, in some cases, total breakage of the tooth.
2. Fizzy Drinks
If you want your teeth to be as white as possible, hold the fizz. Too many carbonated drinks — whether they are diet, light or sugar-free — can wreak havoc in your mouth.
3. Chocolate
We have good news and bad news here folks. The bad news is that lighter-coloured chocolate, such as milk chocolate, usually has a lot of sugar. The good news is pure dark chocolate is ok: the higher the cocoa content, the better it is for both you and your teeth.
The Good List
1. Cheese
When that cheese platter gets passed around at your holiday party, go ahead and grab a handful. Cheese is antibacterial, and its lower pH levels help make your mouth a less acidic environment.
2. Nuts
Nuts contain a wide array of nutrients such as magnesium and iron, and they supply a healthy dose of calcium to help keep your teeth strong.
3. Vegetables.
Fibrous vegetables like raw celery and carrots act as nature’s toothbrush. Think of them as delicious tiny toothbrushes that remove plaque and contain lots of vitamins and nutrients.
Want to learn more about how you can keep your teeth clean and healthy this summer? Would you like to book a FREE CONSULTATION to see how we can give you the perfect smile? Call Ewan Bramley Dental Care today on 0191 259 6506 or SUBMIT YOUR INFO HERE and we’ll be in touch!
