People in California love desserts, but sugar can be dangerous. Sugar, if not cleaned from your mouth, gets eaten by bacteria, which converts it into acids and causes enamel erosion, which is the starting of tooth decay. It is important to know that sugar alone is not the culprit here; the chain of events that take place after consuming sugar are the ones to blame.
Dentists recommend limiting sugar intake and rinsing your mouth properly after eating any sugary meal. If you want to protect your oral health and are thinking of cutting down on sugar or need a diet plan, a general dentist in Fairfield, CA, can provide you with guidance.
How does sugar lead to dental decay?
Sweet beverages like cold drinks and soda contain a lot of acid that is harmful to your teeth. They also contain sweetening substances that create a sticky layer all over your teeth. Saliva alone can not wash it away from your teeth.
Therefore, it is always recommended to brush and floss your teeth daily. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. Some of them are good and help in digestion. However, other bacteria feed on sugar left on your teeth and lead to plaque formation.
If the plaque is not removed or left untreated, it creates an acidic mouth environment and degrades the enamel, which eventually results in cavities, tooth decay, or even tooth loss. Sugar particles left on your teeth attract bad bacteria that cause gingivitis and other gum disease. This can cause your gums to recede away from the teeth and make them loose.
Tips to decrease the effect of sugar on your teeth.
Cutting down on sugar for a lifetime may be quite a difficult task; however, limiting it and consuming it in moderation is possible. Some helpful tips to decrease the effect of sugar on your teeth are as follows:
- Brush after eating sugary foods
- Rinse your mouth after eating
- Limit your sugar consumption
- Drink plenty of water
- Go for fresh fruits instead of sticky, sugary foods
- Use fluoride-based toothpaste
- Try sugar-free gums to decrease the risk of tooth decay and avoid gum inflammation
- Cut down on carbohydrates since they turn into sugar in your mouth.
- Floss regularly to remove bacteria between the teeth.
Sugary items that cause tooth decay.
Sugar is known to cause damage to your teeth. However, its more harmful version is processed or refined sugar. Refined sugar is found in snacks such as candy, potato chips, candy, and ice cream. Make sure to eat healthy foods and veggies to promote good and strong oral health. Carrots can naturally remove plaque from your teeth, safeguarding your dental health.
A hurting tooth can be a sign of cavities. Visit your dentist for a checkup today!