admin
Jan 29, 2024
Sugar offers the most delightful feeling to our tastebuds. The burst of flavour on the tongue left after consuming a savoury treat remains unmatched for most people.
All celebrations are marked by eating sweet foods and sharing them with everyone. Chocolates, cakes, candies, milkshakes, packaged juices, etc., instantly boost our mood and enhance our feelings. However, they can have a negative impact on our oral and overall health. A high sugar intake leads to tooth and gum problems, diabetes, weight gain and heart disease.
While other health issues are well-known, dental issues are silent problems and can lead to tooth loss if not treated on time. Thus, it is vital to avoid sugar even if you adore the sweet flavour because it causes cavities and tooth decay. Here is everything you need to know about the impact of sugar on your teeth. It will help you realise the problems associated with consuming sugary foods and drinks in excess and making changes to your diet.
How Sugar Causes Tooth Decay?
Our mouth is filled with good and bad bacteria at all times. While the good bacteria are harmless, the bad ones produce acids in the mouth whenever sugary foods and drinks are consumed. The consistent production of these acids leads to the erosion of the tooth enamel (protective layer) and causes cavities.
Since the onset of cavities usually goes unnoticed, the bacteria move deeper into the inner layers of the tooth and spread infection. If the problem reaches the pulp of the tooth, the only way to save it is root canal treatment, which can be performed by an experienced dentist in Hope Island.
What Happens When Sugar and Bacteria Interact?
For a better understanding of the development of cavities, it is essential to understand the impact of sugar in the mouth. When we consume sugar, it is eaten by two types of bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus. It leads to the creation of plaque, a sticky film that covers the tooth. When the plaque remains on the gum line for long, it increases the acidity in the mouth. It causes the demineralisation of the tooth and allows the creation of small holes on its surface that become bigger with time.
How Does the Mouth Fight Bacteria?
Our bodies are self-healing. So, when the acids demineralise the tooth, minerals in the saliva and fluoridated water start the process of remineralisation. Saliva and enamel generate calcium and phosphates that help to rebuild its strength to fight bacteria. This is why dentists in Hope Island use fluoride treatment to prevent cavities in individuals who are susceptible to dental problems.
Which Sugary Foods Cause Cavities?
Besides sweet foods and drinks, starchy items are also responsible for plaque. Therefore, potato chips, cookies, sodas, energy drinks, and packaged juices should be avoided. Sticky foods are highly likely to cause cavities because their residue gets stuck on the teeth and stays there for a long time. It increases the risk of developing cavities by increasing acidity in the mouth and the demineralisation process.
How to Avoid Tooth Decay from Sugar?
According to dentists in Hope Island, sugar intake must be controlled by individuals who wish to keep their mouths healthy. They must drink fluoridated tap water and brush their teeth twice daily. Flossing once a day is also helpful in removing plaque, and rinsing with a mouthwash removes bacteria from the mouth. They must also get their teeth examined every six months to ensure optimum oral health.
Can Sugar Also Affect Gum Health?
Sugar-laden drinks reach into every nook and cranny of the mouth. They flow into the gums. When consumed in high quantities regularly, the liquid sugar finds crevices to settle down and interact with bad bacteria. Since these hard-to-reach areas are not cleaned while brushing, the bacteria start growing and cause tooth decay and gingivitis.
It can be detected through sensitivity and inflammation of gums. However, if left untreated, it can reach to advanced stage known as periodontitis. It damages the soft tissue around the teeth and even the bone supporting it, which leads to tooth loss.
How to Keep Children Away From Sugar?
Children with a sweet tooth are highly vulnerable to developing cavities. Thus, parents need to be vigilant about their oral hygiene and eating habits. Kids must be taught to brush correctly and supervised until they are eight years old. Also, they should not be given processed and packaged food and drinks.
If they want something sweet, they must be offered fresh fruits. They must be given plenty of fluoridated water, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy snacks. In addition, they must be taught about the negative impact of sugar to inculcate good habits from the beginning. Visiting the dentist every six months must become a part of their routine.
Wrapping Up
Sugar may seem like a flavourful addition to your diet, but it does more harm than good. High sugar intake is bad for your teeth and gums and can lead to problems that can be immensely painful and even lead to tooth loss if not treated on time. So, improve your knowledge about the impact of sugar on your mouth and stay healthy.
