Sugar, Sugar!
Are you or someone in your family a sugar lover? What’s not to love about a good sugary treat or drink every once in a while! Sugar is a delicious indulgence that is best enjoyed in moderation for the sake of your overall health and your oral health. We all know that sugar can cause tooth decay, but did you ever stop to think about exactly how dangerous it is for your oral health? Continue reading to find out. You might be surprised by what you learn.
What Sugar Does to Teeth
We all love a sugary treat from time to time. Unfortunately, adults and children alike can overdo the sugar consumption, and it’s not only bad for your overall health, but it is worse for your oral health because eating sugar creates a chain reaction in the mouth. When first consumed through food or drink, a certain amount of sugar remains in the mouth. This sugar mixes with bacteria and saliva, ultimately turning into acid that stays on the teeth. This acid begins to wear away the tooth enamel—leading to decay. When large amounts of sugar are consumed, this process happens over and over on different teeth. This can be the start of severe dental decay.
Teeth are not the only part of the mouth affected by sugar consumption—the gums are as well. When the acid in the mouth forms to create tooth decay, the same material creates tartar along the gumline. A buildup of tartar along the gumline is the beginning stage of gum disease. Like tooth decay, once gum disease develops, it needs to be treated immediately or it continues to progress, leading to more severe issues and longer, more involved treatments.
Ways to Help
The best way to combat the effects of sugar on your teeth and gums is to brush as soon as possible after sweet treats. It also helps to be mindful of the amount of sugar you and your family are consuming. For example, juice that children love to drink can have as much sugar as your favorite cola or piece of candy. If it is not possible to brush after eating or drinking sugar, we also suggest drinking plenty of water to help clean the mouth until you have the opportunity to brush.
If you are a sugar lover and feel that you may be experiencing tooth decay, call our office located in Canandaigua, NY to schedule an appointment. We want to help you and your family have healthy teeth this summer!
