How Sweet Things Damage Your Teeth

We all know that sugar is basically bad for us, or at least we should, and many people ask the question, why are sweet foods and drinks harmful to our teeth?

Here is some information on the subject.

Gum Disease

Also known as gingivitis, gum disease is caused by minute bacteria that are attracted by the sugar in the plaque and if left untreated, gum disease can erode the gums away, destroying the tissue that holds the teeth in place. One way to prevent the outset of gum disease is to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a hygienist, which is something many people have done on an annual basis.

Bad Bacteria

There are two kinds of bad bacteria: streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sobrinus, and both of these feed on sugar. If you haven’t visited a dentist lately, Robina Town Dental Gold Coast dentists or your local dentists offer check-up appointments and you can book online. These substances remain on the tooth enamel and cause plaque to build up and this is what leads to tooth decay.

Solid Sugars

The effect of solid sugars on the teeth and gums are harmful, especially white, processed sugar, which is found in many foods. This type of sugar can leave a thin film on sugar on the tooth enamel that saliva does not rinse away, which is why you should always brush and floss after eating sugary foods, or better still, cut them out of your diet altogether.

Sugary Drinks

These sugar-loaded drinks can have an even worse effect on your teeth than solid sugars, and to be honest, you should switch from sugary drinks to sugar-free drinks, of which there are many. Parents should be watching carefully what drinks they allow their kids to consume, as cavities are common when children drink sugary soda beverages. Train them when they are young and your kids will automatically say no to things that are bad for their oral health. Most soft drink brands now offer sugar-free versions, which are much less harmful to your teeth and gums.

Eating Apples

Yes, eating crunchy apples can help to remove sugary build up on tooth enamel, as the acid dissolves the harmful bacteria. The old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ certainly applies when it comes to oral health. Of course, we should all be brushing and flossing after every meal, as well as before and after sleep, and also rinse with antiseptic mouthwash after snacking.

Tooth Decay Treatments

If you have small cavities in your teeth, this is the onset of tooth decay and the sooner you see a dentist, the better. Treatment would include drilling out cavities, cleaning them and then applying a white composite filling, which is preferable to metal amalgam fillings that dentists had used. After treatment, you need to have a good oral hygiene routine and with 6-monthly check-ups, should there be a return of tooth decay, the dentist can recommend rapid treatment.

Tooth decay is always a threat, not just to kids. By watching the amount of sugar you ingest, you are reducing the risk of suffering with tooth decay.