The experts in our dental office often get people asking how sugar affects their teeth. Although most people know that sweets and sugary foods are not good for oral hygiene, they do not know the reason. It helps to know that the chain of events after you consume them damages your teeth, often leading to tooth decay. Read on to learn how sugar can harm your dental health and how you can prevent tooth decay.
How Do Cavities Start?
The harmful bacteria in your mouth create acid, damaging the teeth. When you consume sweets, sugary drinks or beverages, they feed on the sugar in your mouth. They produce acids that attack the enamel or the protective outer covering of your teeth and form dental plaque. This causes demineralization, often affecting the delicate layers below the enamel.
Sugar Intake and Tooth Decay
Saliva contains phosphates and calcium, which can help you fight off demineralization and repair the damage caused by acid. However, if you consume sugar in excessive amounts regularly, it will keep the acid levels high and reduce your ability to fight off tooth decay. In addition to sugar, starchy foods also lead to the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Cavities Can Lead to Missing Teeth
When left untreated, the harmful bacteria in your mouth can damage the enamel. The cavities quickly progress into the inner layers of your teeth, causing you pain and discomfort. It may lead to loss of teeth if you do not visit your dental clinic.
Useful Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay and Cavities
Listed below are a few essentials from the specialists in our dental office that you need to keep in mind:
- Reduce the Consumption of High-Sugar Snacks
Snacking on foods that are high in sugar exposes your teeth to the harmful bacteria and acids, causing tooth decay. This is why it is recommended to avoid consuming them frequently. - Avoid Drinking Surgery, Acidic Beverages
Soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks are a few sources of liquid sugar. They also contain high levels of acids. It helps to reduce the intake of such sweetened beverages to improve your oral health. - Reduce Sweets and Sticky Foods
Sticky foods such as hard candies, lollipops, and breath mints are a few sources of sugar that last longer. When you consume them, the harmful bacteria in your mouth tend to produce more acid, causing tooth decay. In addition to this, processed starchy foods such as flavoured crackers and potato chips can also cause oral problems. - Follow Healthy Oral Practices
Brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and using safe dental products are a few things you can do to improve your dental health.
Contact Our Dental Office in Ottawa for Good Oral Care
At Family Dental Care clinic, we are committed to maintaining happy and healthy smiles. We provide a comprehensive range of oral care for patients of all ages. We have a team of qualified dentists to understand your problems and come up with reliable solutions.
If you have any questions about dental health and cavities, reach out to us by calling 613-627-3500 (Downtown) or 613-736-5000 (South). You could also schedule an appointment with our experts by filling out our online form.
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