Although practitioners of general dentistry talk about the harmful effects of sugar all the time, we all continue to consume it. This could be due to addiction or a lack of self-control. Sugar has many negative impacts on general health, but it also has a variety of repercussions on the teeth and gums. Since your oral health is linked to your entire body's health, it is vital to do all you can to maintain it.
Sugar alters the acidity of the mouth
Many people do not know that sugar has an impact on the mouth's PH balance. Natural saliva is acidic, and when coupled with frequent teeth brushing, it may help maintain a low pH level, which is ideal for tooth and gum health. When people eat sugar, the saliva reacts with it and starts to disintegrate it.
When the bacteria in saliva combine with the sugar, they produce acid, which raises the pH level. This imbalance may cause the mouth to become more acidic. Acid levels may stay high for up to twenty minutes, during which time the acid starts to eat away at the teeth enamel, causing dental cavities.
Bacteria growth
The swarms of microscopic bacteria that cause gum issues like gingivitis and, in turn, receding gums and the need for costly treatments to heal the damage are attracted to the destructive acids produced when consuming sugary foods and beverages. Since most people cannot completely get rid of sugar, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and go to the general dentistry office for regular dental exams.
The sugar effects
Sugar is available in different forms, the most common of which is solid sugar crystals found in foods, gum, and sweets. These non-liquid sugars are dangerous because they leave a sticky film on the teeth that is hard for saliva to clean. The highly concentrated and processed form of the components present in many popular processed meals exacerbates the adverse effects of sugars.
How to prevent sugar damage to the teeth
Practicing good dental hygiene and consuming sugary meals in moderation are two simple methods to protect teeth against sugar. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is one way to protect the teeth from plaque. Individuals need to note that brushing right after eating sugar is not the most excellent idea.
Sugar affects teeth for longer than the initial contact, softening enamel for up to an hour after consumption. As a result, it may be advisable to drink water as quickly as possible to flush the sugar from the mouth. It is advisable to wait for a while before brushing and flossing.
Sugars are different, and certain types are more harmful than others. Avoiding sticky sweet meals and drinks (such as sodas and energy drinks) with high levels of sugars and acids is essential for protecting the teeth.
Final note
The best approach to protect your teeth from the effects of sugar is to see the general dentist regularly for a teeth cleaning, which removes plaque, tartar, and food debris from the mouth. Contact the general dentistry office to book an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Smile Center Dental Care at 253-336-0023 for an appointment in our Federal Way office.
Related Posts
General dentistry recommends brushing twice daily and flossing once per day to protect your teeth against common dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth can cause both issues.Oral bacteria feast on sugars left in the mouth after meals, forming plaque and acids that damage teeth. Plaque is the film that…
If the dentist has discovered decay on the tooth, there are general dentistry treatments to repair it and prevent new ones from growing. A cavity or tooth decay is a hole in the tooth that develops over time. Cavities begin slowly and become more prominent if they are not addressed. Since you may not feel…
When patients visit the general dentistry office, the goal is to keep their oral health excellent. The appointment may be nothing more than a professional dental cleaning and getting instructions on proper oral health so long as there are no oral issues. If dental problems are to be addressed, the dentist will recommend the appropriate…