Why Sugar isn’t so Sweet for Your Teeth
Who doesn't enjoy some cake and ice cream or a sweet drink? A sweet treat can definitely put a smile on our face! But how does too much sugar effect your smile? Learn why sugar isn't so sweet for your teeth.
It Eats Away at Your Teeth
Absolutely no one wants to hear these words out of your dentist's mouth-“You have a cavity”. If you want to avoid this worst case scenario, one huge help is to cut down on your sugar intake! When we have too much sugar, too often, it not only has a bad effect on our body but also our teeth. Notice the following helpful tips from Dental One Associates:
Sugar has a direct connection to tooth decay.
After eating foods that contain sugar, these molecules combine with saliva and bacteria present in the mouth. This combination leads to plaque on teeth.
Left on teeth, plaque can dissolve enamel, which leads to cavities.
How to Avoid Tooth Decay from Sugar
After reading the above information, don't feel like you are forever banned from having a sweet treat! It's all about moderation and preventative measures. For example, after we have a sweet treat, try simply swishing with water to avoid the build up of bacteria. Brushing your teeth about 30 minutes after eating is also a good idea. The main thing to keep in mind is to refrain from allowing something sugary to sit on your teeth for long periods of time.
Escondido Dental and Orthodontics
A huge help for avoiding tooth decay is to have a professional exam every 6 months at your dentist! They can detect early signs of decay and help you to prevent it from spreading further. Please give us a call to schedule.