Sugar — it’s delicious, sweet and some would even say “toothsome,” because it makes foods taste good, yet beware! Sweet treats may taste divine, but the results can create a lot of grief! How can you save your teeth from the disastrous effects of sugar overload? First, the Yuba City Dentistry Group is not advocating totally cutting out sugar, as it’s ok to enjoy it now and again in moderation. Sugar in itself is not a problem for teeth. It’s the battle that begins after eating it that causes potential dental distress.
Tooth Decay and Sugar
After consuming sugar, oral bacteria multiplies, creating acids that break down tooth enamel, the direct cause of cavities. These harmful acids strip minerals from teeth, weakening them and making them more susceptible to the side effects of eating sugar. The best way to counteract the bad consequences of acid erosion is to brush each morning and evening before going to bed with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to remineralize teeth, thus protecting them against cavities.
Saliva also plays a key role to remineralize and strengthen teeth, because it contains phosphates and calcium. These minerals are essential for enamel repair. Staying hydrated with water ensures you have good saliva flow, keeping harmful oral bacteria, and their damage, in check.
Finally, simply limit your sugar intake! A treat should be exactly what it means, a treat, not something you eat all day, everyday. Shockingly, the average American eats about a 66 pounds of sugar a year. All this sugar creates a cycle of craving and consumption that often results in weight gain and cavities.
Protect your dental health by having a good oral care routine, limit sugar in your diet and drink plenty of water. You’ll not only feel better, your teeth will benefit and you’ll have a great check-up at your next appointment with our Yuba City family dentist! Check out our website for more helpful dental articles and suggestions on how to help your family have the best oral health possible.
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