If you love the occasional sweet treat, you are certainly not alone. For many people, sugary snacks and drinks simply can’t be resisted. Unfortunately, it’s no secret that sugar can have some detrimental effects on our overall health, as well as the condition of our teeth. But what exactly does sugar do to the teeth? And is it possible to prevent tooth decay even if you do eat sugar from time to time?
The mouth is naturally packed with many types of bacteria. While some contribute to the health of our teeth and gums, others can cause some serious damage. Some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth produce acids every time that they come into contact with sugar. These acids can have a detrimental effect on the enamel and remove minerals from the teeth in a process known as demineralisation.
Fortunately, the saliva in our mouths helps to reverse the damage of demineralisation in a process called remineralisation because it contains minerals like calcium and phosphate. If, however, acid attacks are frequent enough, the enamel will weaken over time, which can lead to the formation of cavities.
There are certain dietary habits that can contribute to wear and tear of the enamel, as well as tooth decay and cavities. Frequently eating snacks that are packed with sugar, for example, tends to expose the teeth to the harmful effects of acids, and can lead to some serious oral health issues. Similarly, drinking sugary and acidic beverages, such as soda and sports drinks, can also increase your risk of tooth decay considerably.
Foods that are both sweet and sticky have also been linked to an increased risk of tooth decay. These types of foods, which include sticky and chewy candies and dried fruit, tend to get stuck in between the teeth and in the chewing surfaces. These leftover particles then release sugars for an extended period, giving the bacteria a long time to produce acids. This means that the damaging process of demineralisation can go on for a prolonged period, which can cause serious dental erosion over time.
Because sugar has a such a harmful effect on your teeth, it is important that you limit your consumption of sweet foods and drinks and that you try to eat a healthy, balanced diet most of the time. If you do enjoy the occasional sweet treat, try to have it with a meal to limit its effects. It can also be helpful to drink sugary beverages with a straw as this limits contact of sugars and acids with your teeth.
As well as watching what you eat, it is also very important that you practice proper oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing your teeth every day in order to remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and along your gum line. We also encourage regular check-ups and cleans — it’s advisable to see your dentist every six months so that any issues can be identified and resolved as early as possible.
At The Smile Speciality Dental Group, we offer a range of preventative dental services and encourage all of our patients to come in and see us for regular check-ups and cleans. At these appointments, we are happy to address any questions or concerns that you have and to provide you with information and advice regarding your oral hygiene routine, as well as any dietary and lifestyle habits that could be affecting your smile.
If you would like to find out more about what to expect from a check-up and clean at The Smile Speciality Dental Group, and how we can help you maintain optimal oral health in the long-term, please have a look here.
To book an appointment to see us, please contact us here or give us a call on 07 3889 3324.
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