We’re all becoming more aware of how excessive sugar consumption can harm your overall health. And if you’ve ever been to the dentist, you’ve probably heard that sugar is terrible for your teeth and oral health. The food which have high levels of sugar affect your teeth excessively.
But, despite all of these warnings, have you ever considered why sugar can be so dangerous? Sugar is prevalent in many foods and beverages we consume, so it’s critical to understand why you must avoid it as much as possible. Here are a few ways sugar can harm your oral health and what you can do about it.
Sugar alters the acidity of your mouth
Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are two types of harmful bacteria found in the mouth. Two kinds of bacteria feed on sugar and form plaque, the sticky substance that dentists remove from your teeth during a routine visit. Suppose this plaque is not removed from your teeth by brushing or saliva. In that case, it will eventually become acidic and eat away at the enamel on your teeth.
Sugar attracts harmful bacteria
In addition to producing enamel-eating acids, sugar attracts the tiny bacteria that cause gingivitis and gum disease. These conditions can cause your gums to subside away from your teeth and destroy the protective tissues that keep your teeth in place.
Solid sugars’ effects on teeth
Sugar is prevalent in more foods than you may realize. Sugar can be obtained naturally from fruits, vegetables, and honey. Still, it can also be obtained by eating typical snacks such as chips and cookies. Foods high in white processed sugar are especially harmful because they leave a sticky residue on your teeth that is too rigid for your saliva to wash away. Brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and dental cleanings are the only ways to remove this residue.
While you should consume sugar in moderation, frequent snacking on high-sugar foods elevates the amount of time your teeth are brought to the dissolving effects of these acids. This leads to tooth decay.
Sugary drinks’ effects on teeth
High fructose corn syrup-containing beverages are especially harmful. This sweetener, which is found in many sodas and sugar-sweetened drinks, coats your mouth with toxins and forms a sticky film over your entire mouth. Bacteria multiply on this film, producing acids and causing cavities.
Conclusion
Sugar is so prevalent in the food items and beverages we consume that attempting to eliminate it from your diet can feel overwhelming. But now that you know how damaging sugar can be to your oral health take small steps like eliminating refined, processed sugar and high fructose corn syrup. You can minimize your risk of developing dental problems by changing your diet and removing these sweeteners.
Carrots and celery, for example, are better for your teeth because they naturally remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. Drinking plenty of water prior to and after meals stimulates saliva production. It helps to clean your mouth of bacteria and food particles.
Sugar might taste sweet, but it’s not too sweet for our teeth and health. Therefore, the next time be aware of sugar affect and stay careful!