How Does Sugar Affect My Teeth?

We all, at least once in our lives, have heard that sugar is not good for teeth and that too much of it can cause cavities and other dental problems. Dentists around the world suggest limiting sugar intake with proper dental care to avoid future oral diseases. Dr. Sekhon at Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills asks her patient to limit the sugar intake to avoid dental issues and to properly care for teeth. So, how can you save yourself from periodontal and orthodontal issues?

Let’s see how sugar affects your teeth and what its preventive measures are:

Effects of Sugar on Teeth

Numerous bacteria reside in our mouth, including some beneficial and others not-so-beneficial ones. The two most harmful mouth bacteria are Streptococcus sobrinas and Streptococcus mutans. Both bacteria readily react with sugar (starch) to form plaque (a yellow sticky layer around teeth and gums). If you leave plaque untreated and let it sit on your teeth, it soon starts to affect teeth enamel. Plaque doesn’t stop even there and keeps on damaging teeth; in the worst case, might lead to cavities, causing tooth decay. Sugar itself is not a harmful food component, but its starch reacting with mouth bacteria is the real issue. Apart from limiting your sugar intake, there are a few more preventive measures for the negative aftereffects.

How to Prevent Plaque and Tooth Decay?

There are several ways to take care of your oral health and avoid the negative effects of sugar in many ways. Here’s what dentist at Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills suggest for a healthy set of teeth:

1.     Limit Sugar Intake

Limit your sugar snacks, beverages, and sticky sugary food. A maximum of 7 teaspoons of sugar for adults and 4-5 teaspoons for children is enough for a day. Opt-out for a healthy diet including dairy products, veggies, fruits, and green tea. Do not consume sugar before going to bed.

2.     Saliva Stimulation

Saliva works as an agent against all bacteria growing inside the mouth, and you can stimulate your saliva by chewing sugarless gums.

3.     Brush Twice

Regular oral care is essential for strong, plaque-free teeth. The first step is to floss your teeth and use a proper toothbrush to clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily.

4.     Drink Plenty of Water

Bacterial reactions occur faster in a dry mouth. So, drinking lots of water will help minimize the rate of such reactions. Moreover, if you drink fluoridated water, it helps re-mineralize your teeth.

5.     Regular Dental Checkups (Preventive Care)

Despite a good oral hygiene routine and healthy diet, regularly visiting your dentist can keep your teeth in healthy condition. If the plaque has started building up, you might require preventive dental care to avoid further damage. At Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills, we strongly recommend staying current with preventive care by getting teeth-cleaned professionally, an exam for oral cancer screening and healthy tips.

We believe that enjoying your favorite food should be stress-free. So, maintain oral hygiene and regulate your sugar intake for healthy teeth.

Book your appointment now with Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment