Sugar is commonly known as something that is bad for the teeth, and with good reason. Sugar, when consumed, has been found to cause negative effects on the teeth. However, sugar in itself is not the sole culprit. The chain of events that happen after consuming too much sugar is to blame.
Calgary dentists always encourage minimal consumption of sugar because sugar, indeed, can cause cavities or tooth decay. Aside from that, it can also result in other oral health complications that are much more severe and that can even affect one’s overall health.
This article will discuss why sugar is bad for teeth and how it affects oral health.
How does sugar cause cavities/tooth decay?
There are hundreds of bacteria inside the mouth, many are beneficial to the oral ecosystem while some are harmful. When you eat candy or a cake or any food with high sugar content, the harmful bacteria inside your mouth feed on the sugars that you consume.
This results in the production of acids that destroy the tooth enamel (shiny, protective outer layer of the tooth) and thus cause tooth decay. The cavity which is the hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay can spread into the deepest layers of the tooth and cause tooth pain and may even escalate to possible tooth loss.
If you are experiencing a toothache, pain when chewing, and extreme sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods and beverages, it is high time you visit an affordable Calgary dentist because those may be signs of tooth decay.
How does sugar fuel gum disease?
Sugar comes in different forms but liquid forms of sugar such as the ones found in soda and juices are especially harmful to oral health because they are able to permeate into every opening and crevice of your mouth. This just means that even though you practice your daily dental hygiene routines, it is still possible that there are areas—like the hard-to-reach ones—that you completely miss where harmful bacteria may thrive.
This can lead to cavities under the gums or between the teeth and may then result in the development of gingivitis or gum disease. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums wherein they appear red and tender and may cause gum bleeding while brushing or flossing.
Fortunately, gingivitis is a treatable and reversible disease as long as you visit a Calgary dentist SE immediately. If it is left untreated, gingivitis may advance or progress to periodontitis, which is a much more complicated gum disease with irreversible effects or damage.
To prevent yourself from contracting cavities and gum disease, it is vital that you reduce or minimize your sugar intake. It is also helpful to stimulate your saliva flow by drinking more water regularly and chewing sugarless gum.
Instead of sweet foods that are high in sugar, change your diet to fibrous fruits and vegetables and hard cheeses instead. You also need to take note of and avoid starchy foods such as white bread, pasta, and potato chips because as soon as they enter the mouth, they begin converting into sugar.
And of course, remember to not neglect your daily dental hygiene routine and visit a Calgary downtown dentist regularly for your dental cleanings and check-up. For bookings and inquiries, contact Inglewood Family Dental now at (403) 265-5888 to request an appointment!
Inglewood Family Dental
Phone: 403-265-5888
Address: 1420 9 Ave SE #24
City: Calgary
State: Alberta
Postal Code: T2G 0T5
Country: Canada
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