Most of us know that consuming tons of soda, candy, and other foods high in sugar can cause cavities. However, most people don’t understand exactly why sugar is the nemesis of Dr. Gupta and healthy teeth! Today, our team wants to educate you on why sugar is bad for your teeth and how you can protect yourself from cavities and other issues.
Sugar and Oral Bacteria: A Dangerous Mix
Think about sugar in your mouth like a crumb of cake left on the counter that you forget to clean up. While on its own, the crumb isn’t necessarily harmful, as it sits out it will attract ants and other bugs. Left unattended, you’ll soon have an insect invasion on your hands! This same principle applies to sugar. When you eat sugar, it sticks to your teeth and oral bacteria begin feeding on it. As they feed, they produce acid that begins to wear away at your enamel. Over time, the buildup of acid can form plaque and even tartar, a sticky biofilm that damages enamel and irritates gum. Once acid wears a hole into your enamel (a cavity), you run the risk of developing tooth decay. Yikes!
How Can You Manage the Effects of Sugar?
Of course, we all want a sweet treat every now and then. Enjoying a slice of cake or a piece of pie in moderation is fine, so long as you are practicing a good oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time, floss every day, and visit our office regularly for cleanings and exams. Even better, consider substituting a sugar alternative like xylitol, honey, or stevia when you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.
We hope that this information helps you and your family understand why it is important to manage your sugar intake. To ask our team any questions or to schedule your next visit to Grafton Dental Care, call our office today!
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