Is eating sugar bad for your teeth? This is one question that is constantly being asked.
We have all heard the saying ‘eating too much sugar can rot your teeth’. Yet, how exactly does this happen? Believe it or not, the sugar itself is not the culprit. Rather, the damage is caused by the bacteria in your mouth that feeds on the sugar from the foods and beverages you consume.
This harmful bacteria produces acids that dissolve and damage the teeth (or rather the tooth enamel). In turn, loss of enamel on a regular basis can lead to cavities and gaps within the deep layers of the teeth, triggering pain and sensitivity. Each acid attack lasts for about 20 minutes and every time you take a sip of a carbonated drink, such as coca cola, the entire process leading to acidic damage begins all over again.
If tooth decay is not managed in time, it can lead to severe consequences, such as gum disease. This is why it is important to visit your dentist frequently so that he or she can diagnose and help prevent oral health problems before they have a chance to progress.
Satisfying your sweet tooth – with vigilance
When it comes to sugar and dentures, a majority of denture technicians discourage eating sweets because the sugar can cause harm to your oral cavity. However, this does not mean that you need to cut out sweets from your life altogether.
Instead, it is best to keep a few helpful tips in mind when it comes to denture care:
- Avoid any candies that are sticky and hard to chew – With sticky candies, such as caramels, continuously having to bite down hard can loosen the denture. With hard candies, they can break into smaller pieces and get wedged in between the denture and gum, causing pain and severe irritation. This is why it is best to avoid these types of candies.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables – While sugar is naturally found in fruits and vegetables, they are a much healthier alternative as opposed to added sugars in processed foods. Consider adding more fibrous fruits and vegetables to your diet as a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, all the while obtaining healthy vitamins and minerals.
- Eat sweets with meals – If you are going to eat sweets, do so with meals. While eating, you experience an increased production of saliva, which can help to diminish the amount of sugar left stuck to your teeth.
- Use a denture cleaner – When the sugars from foods and beverages interact with the bacteria in your mouth, they form plaque. And, as a result, this sticky layer of bacteria can harm your dentures and gums. By using a denture cleaner, you can ensure that your dentures and your mouth are kept clean.
No one can resist the occasional piece of sweet goodness. Whether you have full or partial dentures, just be sure to be vigilant of the amount of sweets you eat and how you are eating them. Moreover, regardless of how healthy your diet is, be sure to follow good oral hygiene to reduce the build-up of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and keeping up with your regular dental appointments.
To learn more about sugar and your dentures, contact the team at Aesthetic Dentures.
