Taking action on sugar is one of, if not the best way to look after our teeth, and the rest of our body! As Sugar Awareness Week takes place from the 12th-18th November, we are looking at the effect that sugar can have on your teeth, and how cutting down is likely to make you feel better, and your teeth will thank you for it!
Now, we know that cutting out all sugar is a big ask and taking it one step at a time can make sure that you cut it out and cut it out for good. Need convincing? Below we outline how sugar affects your teeth and what you can do about it.
It’s not the sugar itself that does the damage, but the chain of events that happen in the mouth after you’ve eaten it. The mouth is full of hundreds of bacteria, many of which are beneficial and helpful when it comes to everything that is going on in the mouth. Despite these good bacteria, the harmful bacteria that can occur in the mouth can create acids and therefore destroy tooth enamel. Cavities are a bacterial infection caused by these acids. Without treatment, cavities worsen and can eventually cause pain and eventual tooth loss.
Despite a fall in levels of tooth decay in the last few decades, it is still a very common problem in the UK. The good news about these acid attacks is that they are constantly being reversed by the natural process of remineralisation. The three best ways to prevent cavities are to brush twice daily, avoid snacking on sugary and starchy food and don’t forget to visit us twice a year for cleaning and check-ups.
Tips for preventing cavities:
- Cutting down on sugar
- Chewing sugar-free gum & eating fruit and veg are good ways to salivate, and therefore helps the teeth to gain more minerals and remineralise tooth enamel after being attacked by sugar.
- Drink green and black tea, they contain substances that suppress harmful bacteria.
- Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is a great way to prevent cavities as it is a mineral that helps maintain a healthy balance in the mouth. Professional fluoride treatments are also an option!
So, consuming too much sugar can have a huge impact on your teeth. So, opting for healthier sugar-free alternative & doing more to keep your teeth healthy can ensure the health of your teeth in the long run.
Visiting the dentist is an important part of making sure you are taking action when it comes to sugar. You can visit http://www.actiononsugar.org for more information.
To book an appointment with Shifnal Dental Care, call 01952 460119 or you can book online.