Sugar damages your teeth. That’s a well-known fact in the modern world. Sugar was introduced to the west by Alexander the Great, and the Industrial Revolution set its popularity soaring. It’s now commonplace in many foods, including the ones that bill themselves as healthy. It isn’t the only factor to consider when discussing tooth decay, but sugar triggers a chain of events that is damaging your teeth. And, it’s a reminder to be more mindful about the food and drinks you consume.
Why Sugar Is Bad For Teeth
Your mouth is home to a variety of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are helpful to your teeth, while others aren’t as helpful. According to studies, when the mouth encounters sugar, some bacteria produce an acid that erodes tooth enamel. This process is known as demineralisation. But your saliva works to reverse the damage naturally in a process known as remineralisation. Your saliva has phosphate and calcium in it, along with fluoridated toothpaste, you can help your enamel repair itself.
Fluoride helps prevent decay and in its earliest stages, can reverse the damage. Always use fluoridated toothpaste and make an effort to drink lots of water. You can also speak to your dentist about professional fluoride treatment.
However, when this acid attack is repeated on a cycle, it will prevent enamel self-repair. This weakens the enamel over time and eventually destroys it, which is what causes cavities to form. A cavity when tooth decay creates a hole in a tooth. This comes as a result of harmful bacteria, and if left untreated, it can spread deeper. Not only can it cause pain and potentially tooth loss, but it can also impact the surrounding teeth.
If you suspect you have a cavity, the signs of decay include sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet, toothache, and pain when chewing. If you experience these symptoms, you should make an emergency dentist appointment. It’s also wise to visit a dental hygienist regularly. Regular dental visits are the key to maintaining dental health throughout your life.
Issues Too Much Sugar Can Cause
When you drink or eat sugary items, they leave bacteria behind. The healthy bacteria in your mouth attempts to fight it off, but the more sugary items you consume, the harder that task becomes. Eventually, your tooth enamel will be destroyed, and your teeth will decay. So, it isn’t just sugar that causes the problem. It’s a combination of sugar and bacteria. The bacteria feed on the sugar to produce more acid, which damages your teeth.
Sugar could be consumed in moderation. Beware of it hiding in the most common foods you eat. And, you can counter its effects by having a glass of water shortly after eating. Use fluoride toothpaste when you brush, brush at least twice a day, and be sure to floss too. Our modern diet makes it difficult to avoid sugar, but you can do your best to counteract it. Try to keep your sugar consumption to close to mealtimes so you can keep brushing to a minimum. While two or three times a day is good, more than that can damage your enamel and gums. Wait at least 30 minutes to brush after eating.
When To See Your Dentist
Oral hygiene is one of the best ways to counteract tooth damage. It’s an important step in battling tooth decay. Sugar-free gum can also help you battle plaque build-up as it stimulates the production of saliva, which aids the remineralisation process. You should also visit the dentist at least once a year.
If you suspect you have a dental issue, make an appointment to visit a Camden dentist as soon as possible. Whether you’re interested in dental veneers or the cost of dental implants, get in touch to discuss your options. We offer a variety of treatments on Afterpay Dental.
