Sugar and tooth decay
It’s impossible to avoid sugar completely, but you can limit your consumption of it in order to protect your oral health as sugar and tooth decay are closely connected. In fact, the more sugary foods you eat and the less healthy choices you make in general, the more likely it is that you’ll experience problems with your teeth down the road, from cavities to gum disease to tooth loss. And we all want to keep our teeth as long as possible!
So read on to learn how to reduce the effects of sugar on your teeth and be sure to share this information with your friends and family as well so they can protect their mouths too!
What happens when we eat sugar
Eating sugar can lead to tooth decay, by demineralizing teeth and loosening plaque from the tooth’s surface. Sugar also promotes the growth of bacteria that causes cavities. Sugar-filled foods often stick to teeth for a long time. This extra time allows bacteria to grow even more, leading to increased tooth decay.
Why is it important to remove sugar from your diet
In today’s society, sugar is widely available and used in everything from our morning coffee to afternoon tea. Some might even say it is addictive. It seems that we can’t escape it. As an added bonus, the dental effects of eating too much sugar are bad for you teeth as well. When your mouth has a high concentration of sugars, bacteria starts feeding on the carbohydrates left behind by the sugars. These are called plaque. Plaque forms around your teeth when you eat or drink sugary foods and drinks (which is what leads to tooth decay). If left unchecked, plaque will harden into tartar that cannot be removed with brushing alone.
What happens in our mouths with sugar
After we eat sugary foods, bacteria in our mouth react to the carbohydrates and form acid. This acid eats away at the tooth’s enamel, which is your teeth’s protective covering. The combination of sugar and bacteria can also lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay is difficult to get rid of without professional dental care.
Why are regular dental check-ups necessary to avoid tooth decay
Regular dental check-ups are a crucial step in the process of preventing tooth decay, as they can allow a dentist to identify problems before they can cause any damage. During your visit, your dentist will clean your teeth and inspect them for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other signs of oral health issues. Having regular appointments also allows for preventive treatments like teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment to keep your teeth healthy.
Although there are many causes for oral cavities, a regular visit to your dentist will prevent tooth decay and help your child have healthy gums and teeth. Book an appointment online.