We all know that sugar is bad for us, and especially bad for our teeth and overall dental health. But do you ever wonder why, exactly? There are actually a few different ways that sugar can be harmful to our oral health.
First of all, sugar causes cavities and tooth decay. Here’s how: harmful bacteria within our mouths feed on the sugar in the foods we eat and the beverages we drink. This causes acids to develop, and those can erode our protective enamel. The acids create a bacterial infection that can result in holes in teeth, or cavities, that need to be filled by the dentist before causing further damage.
Beyond just cavities, sugar can also cause severe overall enamel erosion. This can happen when cavities are not treated early enough, so the deeper layers of the teeth are affected. And when erosion occurs, it can lead to even more serious dental issues. These include tooth loss, changes in bite, and altered tooth sizes.
Luckily, the negative effects of sugar can be prevented with a proper healthy diet and daily hygiene routine. The first step is to cut down on sugar, especially candies and sugary drinks. The second is to make sure you’re brushing twice each day for 2 minutes at a time, and flossing daily. If you do consume sugar, brushing right away before the bacteria causes damage-causing acids can go a long way to preventing any problems. In addition, eating healthy snacks like crunchy vegetables, and drinking water throughout the day can help to clean and rinse away sugars lingering in your mouth.
Regular dental cleanings are also an important part of preventing cavities and tooth decay due to sugar. Your smile team at Southeast Dental can ensure that your mouth is its cleanest and healthiest, and remove and plaque or tartar that may be caused by sugar. To book your appointment, call us at 905-471-2002 or use our online appointment form.