Sugar Consumption in Relation with Teeth Decay

 

Holydays are coming and we all know that having a sweet tooth during the festive season is not helpful to resist the sugary temptations. Sweets come in different shapes, colors and tastes so it takes an extra effort to suppress the cravings for processed sugar. In this article, we will describe the negative effect that sugar has over dental and general health and share with you some handy piece of advice on how to protect your teeth.

When consuming food rich with sugar and carbohydrates, specific bacteria in our mouth feeds on sugar and turns into an acid causing tooth decay.

As such, it erodes the tooth enamel (the first layer of our teeth) and removes the minerals. If not treated on time, cavity may reach the second layer or the dentin and finally the tooth nerve. This is an excruciating pain and an alarm that should not be avoided. The worst outcome of cavity is tooth extraction. Do you think it is worth it?

Regarding your general health, excessive sugar consumption may lead to higher blood pressure, gain weight, chronic inflammation, fatty liver disease, diabetes and increased chance for heart disease which are all linked to heart attack and stroke. 

We suggest that controlling the sugar-rich-foods intake is a first step to consider when improving your dental and general health.

Some tips on protecting your teeth:

• Avoid sugary drinks and juices, sticky and sweet food (biscuits, chips, lollipops, candies, sugary chewing gums) and cut down on sweets in general.
• Brush your teeth regularly and after consuming sugar. It is especially important to brush before bed.
• Use rich-in-fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss regularly and use mouthwash.
• Avoid snacking or sipping for a prolonged period of time.
• Visit the dentist regularly, at least twice a year.
• Drink plenty of water. 

Prolong the lifetime of your teeth, it is up to you! It is never late to change bad habits.