Although we don’t like to admit it, everybody has a little bit of sugar addiction. Unfortunately, sugar is a master of disguise when it comes to your oral health. Although you can’t physically see it, sugar is constantly eating away at your teeth, even when you’re not eating sugar. But what’s even more deceiving are the hidden sugars that you may not even be aware that you’re consuming in your daily life.
What sugar does to your teeth
Your mouth contains several types of bacteria, some good, and some bad. And when you consume food and beverages, it adds types of bacterias to the equation. Consuming sugar produces bad bacteria and acids.
The bacteria and acids from sugar remove minerals on tooth enamel which is the outer, most protective layer on your teeth. Recurrent consumption of sugar attacks, weakens, and, ultimately, destroys the tooth enamel gradually over time. The bacteria from sugar not only begin attacking your teeth when you consume it, but it also continues to attack until you clean it off your teeth.
This results in tooth decay and cavities! If your sugar habits are neglected, then the cavities can end up spreading which causes gum disease and possible tooth loss.
Where does the sugar come from?
Sugar can be found in more products than you think, and many products even contain hidden, added sugar which is not only bad for your teeth and gums, but also your overall health.
The ultimate goal is not to get rid of sugar completely, but rather be more aware of where the sugar is coming from, and then counterattack the sources.
Here are the biggest culprits for tooth decay:
High-sugar snacks
Often snacking high-sugar foods allows for your teeth to be exposed to the harmful acids for longer. Some snacks to avoid are:
- Lollies
- Potato chips
- Granola
- Biscuits
- Pastries
Sticky foods
Stickier foods are the long-lasting sources of sugar and harmful bacteria. This is because these snacks are held in your mouth for a long time, gradually releasing sugar and lasting on your teeth longer. These foods include:
- Hard candies
- Breath mints
- Sugary chewing gum
- Lollipops
Sipping drinks
The most common source of hidden sugar is beverages! In addition to sugar, these drinks also contain lots of harmful acids. Look out for drinks such as:
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks
- Fruit juices
How to protect your teeth from sugar
Keeping up with good oral health and avoiding tooth decay is simply implementing good daily habits, and avoiding bad habits. Some simple good habits that help prevent tooth decay are:
- Drinking water
- Not snacking over long periods of time
- Brushing your teeth often
- Cutting down on sugar
There is nothing worse than sensitivity, toothaches, or cavities! So, if you are ready to make sure that you’re not being attacked by harmful sugars and get on top of your dental health, it’s never too late to come see us! At Crookes and Jenkins Dental, we can help you stay on track with your oral health, detect early signs of tooth decay, and give you great tips on how to implement healthier practices for your teeth. Book an appointment with us today!