Consuming too many sweet treats can cause serious damage to your smile.
It’s no secret that too much sugar is not good for our overall health. And, when it comes to maintaining the condition of our teeth, it’s important to enjoy sweet treats in moderation only. So, what exactly does sugar do to the mouth? And is there anything that can be done to minimise its impact on your smile? Read on to find out what happens every time that you eat or drink something that contains sugar, and what steps you can take to prevent tooth decay in the long-term.
Your mouth is full of bacteria
Did you know that your mouth contains many types of bacteria? Some help to promote overall oral health, while others do more harm than good. Every time that you eat or drink something that contains sugar, the harmful bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack and erode the enamel of your teeth. During this process, known as demineralisation, important minerals are removed from the tooth enamel.
The good news is that the saliva in your mouth, which contains minerals like calcium and phosphate, naturally works to reverse this damage in a process known as remineralisation. It is important to understand, however, that if the enamel is frequently and repeatedly attached by acid, the enamel will weaken and deteriorate over time. This can then lead to the development of cavities.
Dietary choices contribute to decay
There are a few foods and drinks, as well as habits, that can contribute to tooth decay over time. Research suggests that frequent snacking on sugary foods can lead to cavities — this is because the habit exposes your teeth to sugar (and its harmful effects) for extended periods of time.
Another leading cause of tooth decay is the consumption of sugary beverages, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, juices and energy drinks. These types of drinks are usually highly acidic and tend to contain large amounts of sugar.
Other foods that can cause serious harm include sticky snacks that tend to get stuck in the teeth. Sticky candy and dried fruit, for example, often stay in the mouth for long periods of time, which gives harmful bacteria plenty of opportunity to produce acids that can damage the enamel.
Tooth decay is preventable
You may find it difficult to avoid sugar completely, but there are, fortunately, a few things you can do to protect your teeth from decay. Try to eat a balanced diet most of the time, and if you do enjoy the occasional sweet treat, include it with a meal rather than on its own.
If you eat something that is sticky and/or packed with sugar, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards. This will help to dilute the sugar in your mouth and reduce its impact on your teeth.
One of the best things you can do to protect your smile is to practice proper oral hygiene every day. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans.
How can we help?
At Lara Smile Group, we encourage our patients to commit to healthy lifestyle and dietary choices, and to practice proper oral hygiene on a daily basis. Our team is available to address any questions or concerns that you have about your oral health and will provide you with all the information you need to maintain a beautiful smile for life.
We urge all of our patients to come in and see us every six months. We offer a range of general dentistry services and provide care to members of the whole family.
If you would like to find out more about the services that we provide at Lara Smile Group, please have a look here. To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on 03 5282 1681.