I know sweets aren’t good for me, but I just can’t resist.
This is a common problem for those who have a deep love for sweets and all kinds of delicious food. But when you can’t resist, you can’t stop the dentist from scolding you either. These events repeat themselves every time we have dental problems.
Have we ever wondered if those brilliant dentists who always tell us that sweets are the worst enemy of good dental health actually eat sweets themselves? And if so, what are their methods for taking care of their teeth?
The MATTER took these questions to Dr. Catt Prevé, an experienced dentist with over 20 years of experience caring for the oral health of many famous patients. Dr. Prevé will answer the questions, share knowledge about dental care, and offer tips on how to enjoy sweets happily.
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Do you usually have a sweet tooth, doctor?
Judging from my build, I have to be honest, it’s not just sweets, I eat everything! I don’t just eat healthy things like you might think. (laughs)
What’s your favorite or go-to dish?
Wow, starting with desserts that are also drinks! I like matcha lattes and iced cocoa blended with whipped cream. As for cakes or pastries, I prefer New York cheesecake, but if that’s unavailable, green tea, red velvet, or even a soft-serve chocolate cake would be acceptable.
With so many menu items like this, have you ever encountered dental problems like the patients?
You might not believe it, but the truth is, I’ve never had a cavity in my entire life, despite my round, chubby figure. For me, I have a secret for taking care of my teeth after eating sweets.
What is the secret?
Before we get to the tips, let me explain why our teeth decay. There are four main factors: First, the starch or sugar in the food we eat. Then, bacteria attack our teeth. Our teeth themselves can also be problematic; for example, deep grooves or crevices in the mouth increase the risk of decay. The final factor is the lack of regular cleaning. Therefore, once we understand the complete causes of tooth decay, we can address the root cause or prevent it from happening in the first place.
But isn’t the solution to the root cause simply to avoid sugary foods?
No, we can still eat foods containing starch and sugar, or sweets and desserts as usual. We just need to pay more attention to our eating habits and dental care.
This means we should consume these foods in short bursts, not continuously throughout the day or in frequent servings. For example, if you crave a bubble tea at lunchtime, finish it by noon, instead of sipping it throughout the day. Doing so will increase the acidity from the sweetness in your mouth for longer, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Could this problem be solved simply by brushing my teeth after meals?
The question about brushing teeth is something patients ask me a lot. They ask, “Why do we still get cavities even though we brush immediately after every meal?” Let me explain. Thai people tend to eat spicy food, prioritizing taste and flavor. These foods create acid in the mouth, which is diluted by saliva. This dilution process takes about an hour.
Therefore, if we choose to brush our teeth immediately after eating, we are essentially exposing the acid to the tooth enamel directly, weakening our teeth and making them more susceptible to erosion.
So what should we do in this situation?
Brushing your teeth includes other oral care practices such as flossing, dry brushing, or using other cleaning tools. If you do these things regularly, you’re doing it right.
But the dentist would like to add a little more information: good brushing involves brushing at least twice a day, in the morning or evening. If you brush during the day, do so one hour after eating. Each brushing should last at least two minutes, and you should use toothpaste containing fluoride. Ideally, you shouldn’t drink water or eat for about half an hour after brushing. This is the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease.
The doctor mentioned dry brushing. I’d like to know what it is.
Dry brushing means brushing your teeth without water. You use fluoride toothpaste, and after brushing, you simply rinse out the foam without rinsing your mouth with water. The reason for this is to preserve the fluoride in the toothpaste, which helps prevent cavities for as long as possible. In other words, this method allows the fluoride to remain on the tooth surface for a longer period.
But for those who are not yet familiar with dry brushing and are unsure if this method is effective, first use tools such as interdental brushes, dental floss, or even plain water to remove food particles from between teeth or on the tooth surface. Then, you can proceed with dry brushing.
It might feel unfamiliar at first, but if you try it once, you’ll realize it’s not that difficult.
Do the toothbrush and toothpaste affect dry brushing?
Theoretically, any fluoride toothpaste can be used for dry brushing. However, in reality, this isn’t always the case. Some toothpastes contain a foaming agent called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which can cause allergic reactions such as rashes or red spots in some people. In this case, dry brushing can actually harm the mouth instead of treating the condition. Therefore, toothpaste without these ingredients is a good choice.
Even if you’re not dry brushing, I think it’s important to choose a toothbrush that’s comfortable to hold, has bristles with rounded tips and a smooth bristle surface, and is soft to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. Finally, it comes down to personal preference, such as the color or appearance of the toothbrush. You might think this isn’t important, but it actually has a significant impact. Considering children’s fear of brushing or misuse of the toothbrush by family members, choosing what you like is always better.
Finally, do you have any advice for people who also enjoy eating sweets, Doctor?
I want to offer this encouragement, as a fellow sweet tooth. No matter how much we gain weight, please, the most important thing is to maintain good oral health. Because if we have cavities, gum inflammation, and need teeth extracted, we won’t be able to enjoy eating anymore.
If you find it difficult, just try it once. If the first time isn’t good, there will be a second time. Keep going, and it will eventually get better. I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you to Class Cafe’ for providing the location for filming.
