How Does Sugar Actually Affect Your Teeth?

According to the Alberta Dental Association, the causes of tooth decay are the same irrespective of age. Sugar is the primary source of the acids' reactions, regardless of its form, such as maple syrup, honey, granulated sugar, molasses, corn syrup, Fructose, Cane juice, Maltose Fruit juice, etc. 

Sugar, in whatever form it takes, can create cavities. Understanding why sugar is bad for your teeth is an excellent place to start when it comes to preventing cavities.

It Starts At The Micro Level

As every oral cavity has many microorganisms, most utmost are beneficial for the oral cavity. However, some are bad for the teeth. They create acids as they feed on the sugars, and thus the acids cause enamel (the first layer of the tooth) destruction. Dentin is a soft layer within your tooth that is packed with tiny channels that provide nerve passage. With your nerve exposed in this way, anything from breathing cold air to consuming hot meals can be intolerable. Cavities can be caused by sugar in any form. Understanding why sugar is bad for your teeth is a great place to start when it comes to cavity prevention. Cavities will form if left untreated as the acid goes into more inner layers of the tooth, eventually exposing the dentin underneath, cause toothache and possibly tooth loss. 

So basically, the main reason behind the destruction is these pathogenic bacteria produce acids that erode the natural, protective enamel on the exterior of your teeth. When sugar is left on your teeth, the acids not only eat through the enamel but also often travel deeper into other layers of your teeth, causing cavities. 

What About Acids?

The acids produced as the result of the reaction of microorganisms with sugars may attack your teeth at any time. While the acids are continually attacking your teeth, your mouth is always restoring the damage. Minerals, on the other hand, can counteract this harm. Minerals are derived from the enamel of your teeth and your saliva by a process known as remineralization. Acids in your mouth are constantly leaching minerals from your tooth enamel, resulting in demineralization. It produces minerals such as calcium and phosphates, both of which are beneficial to tooth strength. Another mineral that comes into play is fluoride, which also aids in the healing of damaged enamel. It's a fantastic process, but it can only go so far with sugars usage in limits.

What Steps Can I Take To Save My Teeth?

• If you consume too much sugar, continual exposure to sugar might be damaging to your teeth. Limit the frequency and quantity of all known sugars like sweets and candies is the main thing anyone can do. Often people favor dried fruit when it comes to picking healthful snacks. However, many dried fruits are sticky. Sticky foods can harm your teeth since they stick to them for more extended periods than other types of food. If you eat many dried fruits or dense food, make sure to rinse with water afterward and brush and floss thoroughly. Similarly, starch in potato chips might become caught in your teeth. If you choose to eat these snacks, make sure to floss thoroughly that day to remove any food particles that may promote plaque development.
• Avoid all kinds of carbonated, fizzy drinks. Drink more water instead of sipping these drinks could do wonders for your oral health. Brush your teeth, carefully flossing every day, and mouth wash usage according to your dental health provider. Also visit your dentist for regular checkups can be beneficial as prevention is better than cure.  

What Can I Do?

Visit your trusted dentist in Litchfield Park, AZ, Dr. Seraphim Moreira! Our preventative dentistry team is here to help you navigate what sweets to say no to, how to keep your teeth clean and in tip-top shape, and avoid losing any teeth as a result of those pesky sugars! Book an appointment or contact Litchfield Smiles today to protect your teeth!