Dr Jas Sagoo has warned against taking too long
A dentist is advising Brits who eat Easter eggs to do so in one go. Dr Jas Sagoo, a leading general and cosmetic dentist at Perfect Smile Spa, has warned grazing on chocolate over time could accelerate the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
He says this is because intermittent grazing on food and drinks that contain sugar can cause bacteria in the mouth to feed on it and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Dr Sagoo says it takes the mouth up to an hour for acidity levels to return to normal after eating sugar. So snacking on your Easter egg across several hours can actually leave your teeth exposed to acids for longer, he says.
Not only does he claim this can this accelerate your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, it can also lead to cavities. While he doesn’t ever recommend bingeing on chocolate, Dr Sagoo says it’s better to eat Easter chocolate in one sitting rather pieces than throughout the day.
Dr Jas said: “Chocolate eggs are a popular treat in the UK at this time of year, and they can certainly be enjoyed in moderation. However, we should always be mindful of the direct link between high sugar consumption and the harmful effects it can have on our dental health.
“Intermittent grazing on foods and drinks that contain sugar can accelerate the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. From a dental point of view, it’s better to enjoy a sweet treat in one go rather than snack on it throughout the day.
“It can take the mouth up to an hour for acidity levels to return to normal after eating sugar, so grazing several across several hours leaves your teeth exposed to acids for longer. While I don’t recommend bingeing on chocolate at any time, it is better for your teeth to eat it at once than spread out across hours or days.”
Chocolate eggs can contain a large amount of sugar and therefore should be enjoyed responsibly to keep your teeth at their best. To keep risks at a minimum, it is advised to look for options with the least added sugar and higher percentage of cocoa.
Jas said: “Chocolate eggs can certainly be enjoyed responsibly this Easter, and following a few helpful tips can help keep your oral hygiene at its best. Choose options with a lower percentage of sugar and try to limit consumption to meal times, if possible.
“Rinse your mouth with water to help banish the acids that can otherwise linger and attack enamel. It’s also important not to brush your teeth right away after eating sugar. Wait between 30 to 60 minutes to avoid weakening tooth enamel and allow your mouth to return to its natural pH level.
“A good oral hygiene routine should include brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride-based toothpaste, as well as flossing once per day. It’s also important to have a dental check-up every six months to keep a close eye on potential problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.”
For more information, visit https://perfectsmilespa.com/


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