Effects Of Sugar On Teeth
Starting when we are young, we hear about how sugar can negatively affect our oral health. Even though you have probably been hearing this fact for years, do you really know why sugar is so bad for your oral health and the damage it can cause? We think it is important to mention that the sugar alone is not what is harmful to your teeth, it is more the way you care for your teeth after consuming it. Your oral habits and hygiene have more to do with the state of your oral health than the food you eat. You may be surprised to learn that there are a number of foods that can negatively affect your oral health if you are not cleaning your teeth properly.
What Does Sugar Do to Teeth?
We all love a sweet treat from time to time; however, those who have a fondness for sugar can get into trouble with the state of their oral health if they over consume. The problem arises when sugar lingers in the mouth. It’s not something you might like to think about, but we all have bacteria in our mouths at all times. The addition of sugar changes the bacteria levels in the mouth. This is one of the main reasons we recommend brushing as soon as possible after eating sugar and only eating during certain times of the day. Brushing and flossing remove the harmful bacteria caused by sugar consumption. When sugar is not properly cleaned from the teeth in a timely fashion, the bacteria transform into acid that clings to the teeth. Over time, this acid eats away at the enamel, or covering of the tooth, causing tooth decay.
Sugar Dangers
We all know that candy, soda, and sports drinks contain a lot of sugar. We also want to give a warning against alcohol, crackers, chips, and even fruit. Food products with high starch content and natural sugars can have the same effect on teeth as processed white sugar, leading to tooth decay.
If you are located in the Wellington, FL area and feel like you may be experiencing a problem with your oral health or it has been some time since your last hygiene examination, be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
