You’ve probably heard your whole life that sugar is bad for your teeth; however, it can be pretty hard to avoid this sweet substance when it’s found practically everywhere! But did you know that eating sugar doesn’t necessarily spell doom for your dental health if you remain proactive and informed? Continue reading to learn more about sugar and the impact it can have on one’s oral wellness; life’s too short to not enjoy sugar, but you don’t want your teeth to pay a hefty price!
What Does Sugar Actually Do to My Teeth?
Eating sugar doesn’t harm your oral health – rather, it’s the acids that the bacteria in your mouth release when they’re exposed to sugar that pose serious problems. These acids can easily dissolve the enamel layer of your teeth, which is one of their primary means of protection. Without healthy enamel, you’re at a much higher risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and various other oral health issues.
Consuming excessive amounts of sugar also can have health implications for your body; the high number of empty calories can lead to conditions like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Given the connection between bodily and dental health, it’s possible for some of these conditions to indiscriminately target and affect oral structures, even if you’re diligent about hygiene.
How Can I Protect My Smile from Harm?
Fortunately, the threat that sugar poses to dental health can be mitigated or avoided if you’re considerate about what you eat and drink. If you’re familiar with xylitol, you probably remember seeing it listed on the back of a sugar-free soda can or pack of sugar-free gum. This is a type of sugar alcohol that tastes similar to sugar but lacks acid-promoting qualities. It’s not a perfect substitute and should still be enjoyed in moderation, but it’s at least one of the sweeteners out there that won’t absolutely wreak havoc on your smile!
Of course, it’s also going to be in your best interest to avoid and limit sugar when possible – and while it’s simply not feasible to remove it entirely from your diet, you can certainly enjoy it in moderation, substitute it when possible, and strive to lessen its negative impact on your smile by maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
Brush your teeth twice each day using fluoride toothpaste, floss after meals, and supplement your routine with an antibacterial mouthwash. Drink plenty of water to stimulate your mouth’s flow of saliva. You should also regularly visit your dentist for preventive care; they’ll be able to view first-hand the negative impact of sugar on your teeth and plan treatment accordingly.
It’s hard to imagine life without sugar; it brings smiles to so many of our faces, even if it has the potential to cause harm! That said, knowing all about its impact will allow you to preserve your dental health with the utmost ease.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Harry Golnazarian and Dr. Abulfaz Isayev, our team here at Simply Dental of Lowell has proudly provided patients and families in the Lowell community with a wide array of dental services, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative care. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to schedule your next appointment, feel free to visit us online or call us today for further information! Telephone: (978) 485-2929.
