Sugary foods like cookies, candy, and soda can be a sign that someone has a sweet tooth. Sugar can cause serious damage to your teeth.
Sugar can be reduced by practicing good oral hygiene and being mindful of your sugar intake.
What does sugar do for your teeth?
You might have heard about sugary drinks and wondered what sugar does to your teeth. Sugar is not the only thing that can cause tooth damage. The chain of events that follow each sugary treat can cause damage. These events can lead to tooth decay, also known as cavities.
How Cavities Form
Good oral health is possible because many of the hundreds bacteria in your mouth are beneficial. Sugars in food can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The bacteria can produce acids that can weaken tooth enamel (the protective outer layer).
Over time, pits may form and enamel may continue to erode. These are called holes. Cavities can grow beyond the enamel and into deeper layers of your teeth, leading to pain, infection, or even tooth loss.
Your mouth is always in a battle
Acids can cause tooth damage. This damage can be reversed. Acids can strip enamel minerals through a process called “demineralization”. These minerals are removed by acids through a process called “demineralization”. Remineralization is a natural process which replaces them and strengthens the teeth. Your saliva is the key to this process.
Saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphates to help restore teeth. Fluoride can also be found in toothpastes and water. It can strengthen weak enamel. If you are prone to chronic dryness or if your enamel is not protected by natural remineralization, it might not be enough.
How to protect your teeth against sugar-induced tooth damage
Although it may seem impossible to cut out sugar completely from your diet to combat acid attacks, it is possible. By living a less stressful lifestyle and helping with the remineralization process, you can prevent tooth decay. These are some ways to prevent tooth decay.
- Cut down on sugar consumption. You can slow down the process by making small changes every day. These are teeth-friendly foods instead.
- Avoid sugary sweets. Eat only low-calorie sweets. Acid attacks can be prolonged by drinking soda and sucking on sticky candy such as lollipops throughout the day. This will make your teeth more susceptible.
- Avoid sugary food. Tooth decay can occur up to 20 minutes after eating. Avoid snacking and drinking throughout the day to reduce acid production.
- After you eat, chew sugarless gum. This stimulates saliva flow and removes food particles. It is also rich in essential minerals that can be used to restore your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water. Water, just like sugarless gum can be used to wash away food remnants and fight dry mouth. Fluoridated water also aids in the process of remineralization, which makes your teeth stronger.
These tips can be combined to create a routine for oral health: floss daily, brush twice per day with fluoride toothpaste, and visit your dentist regularly. This will allow you to take good care of your smile without having to stop sugary treats forever.