It is the beginning of a sugary time of year. Not just Halloween and back to school treats, but all of the different winter holidays all the way through to Valentine’s Day have lots of candy and sweets. Parents are always telling their kids not to eat too much candy because the sugar will rot their teeth. But, is that really true? Does sugar really hurt your teeth or is this the stuff of old wives’ tales?
What Causes Tooth Decay
Bacteria harboring plaque is what causes tooth decay. It is plaque that helps to break down the protective enamel on teeth. This breakdown is the very beginning of the cause of cavities.
As enamel is eroded away the teeth are left vulnerable to acid and bacteria. This damages the teeth at deep levels including the second layer, which is dentin, and the inner level of pulp. Even the bone supporting the teeth can be affected. All of this can lead to a lot of damage and pain resulting in very poor oral health and a trip to see your dentist at Bella Dental.
Does Sugar Hurt Your Teeth?
Any carbohydrate can do damage to your teeth. This is because of how the body digests carbohydrates, which include sugar.
When you eat carbohydrates, some bacteria found in your mouth produce acids. These acids being produced over and over in your mouth damage the teeth.
When you do not properly care for your teeth by doing things like brushing and flossing they have no defense against this acid. Even worse the sugary foods leave debris in your mouth which causes the continued production of this acid.
How To Protect Your Teeth from Sugar
It is okay to have a little bit of sugar from time to time. However, overindulging in sweet treats can lead to problems. As long as you only eat sugar on rare occasions and care for your teeth properly there shouldn’t be a problem.
Make sure that you maintain good oral health habits like brushing your teeth twice every day, flossing, and using mouthwash.
You should avoid sugary treats that are particularly chewy, gummy, or sticky as those can stick to your teeth longer. These are the types of foods that do tend to leave extra debris in your mouth that hangs around and causes an even bigger problem.
You should also try to avoid hard candies as they may crack or break your teeth.
If you consume a lot of sugar on a regular basis there may already be damage to the enamel on your teeth. One of the first signs of this is your teeth becoming sensitive to hot, cold, and even sugary foods. If you are noticing that your teeth are sensitive it is time to schedule an appointment with your local dentist.
Dentist in Oxnard, CA
One often overlooked aspect of good oral hygiene is professional dental care. You should have a dental check-up and have your teeth cleaned on a regular basis. If you are past due on your dental checkup, contact Bella Dental, your local dentist in Oxnard, CA, and schedule an appointment now.