Everyone knows that sugar is bad for you, especially for your teeth. Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, and many times we blame the sugar itself. It’s not the sugar that does the damage, but more so the chain of events that happen after you eat that cookie, lollipop, or piece of pie. Instead of having to avoid some of your favorite sweet treats, educating yourself on how sugar actually affects your teeth can be extremely helpful. So, keep reading to learn more!
Your mouth is full of bacteria. It sounds gross, we know, but a lot of that bacteria is beneficial to your mouth. However, there is harmful bacteria, and that bacteria actually feeds on the sugars that you eat in order to create acids that destroy your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the protective outer layer of the tooth. Due to that bacteria feasting on your tooth enamel, it can create a cavity. Without proper treatment on that cavity, it can lead to intense amounts of pain and possible tooth loss.
Your teeth are frequently under attack by acids, but that damage is also constantly being reversed. Acids leach minerals from the tooth enamel through a process that’s called demineralization. Luckily, the natural process of remineralization replaces the minerals and then strengthens the tooth all over again. It’s a whole cycle. Your saliva is actually a key player in that process. Saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphates that help repair the teeth. Fluoride is another mineral that’s present that helps repair weakened enamel. But, replacing lost minerals can only do so much for the teeth in order to prevent the effects of sugar on the teeth, especially if you’re someone who eats lots of sweet foods and starches. In order to protect your teeth, you may want to consider and reevaluate how much sugar that you’re putting into your body.
One of the best ways to help repair your teeth and avoid cavities, in addition to cutting back on sugar, is stimulating saliva flow. This can help create a bigger flow of the minerals that your teeth needs. Chewing sugarless gum and incorporating vegetables and fruit that are full of fiber are great ways of increasing saliva production. Eating foods such as cheese, yes cheese is good for your teeth, yogurt and other products that are full of calcium can also help. Green and black teas are also substances that can help suppress harmful oral bacteria, so adding these types of food and drinks can help add a healthy boost to your mouth and teeth.
Fluoride is also a mineral that doesn’t just prevent tooth decay, but it can also reverse in its early stages. So drinking plenty of fluoridated water and brushing daily with and ADA approved fluoride toothpaste. It’s also important to receive fluoride treatments from your dentist regularly. Yes, they may not be the most fun, but they are needed to keep your teeth healthy.
No matter what you do, being aware of your teeth and their health is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay and cavities from sugar. Proper cleanings and dental services should also be a part of your routine. However, we know that going to the dentist isn’t always at the top of your list. Dental visits can be scary and intimidating, which is why at Luxe Dental Spa in Oakhurst we cater to our patients by creating a safe and comfortable environment. With a full list of both preventative and cosmetic services, we’re here for you. Connect with us today! We can’t wait to see your smile!