You gulped down a can of soda without realizing the amount of sugar it contains!
You are not alone.
Millions of people around the world consume excessive sugar every day. It adds to your weight and creates a havoc of several health problems, but it is also damaging your teeth. Around half of the children in Australia have tooth decay in their milk teeth by the age of 6. And by the age of 12, they have decay in their permanent teeth as well. Let's look at what does sugar do to your teeth.
Your Mouth is a Bacterial Heaven
Several different types of bacteria reside in your mouth. Some are beneficial and keep your oral cavity healthy. At the same time, others can be harmful. In the case of a balanced diet with limited sugar intake, both types of bacteria live in harmony, and you enjoy good oral health.
But what happens when you eat sugar?
Sugar Attracts the Not-so-Good Bacteria
As soon as you eat a sugary meal, the harmful bacteria in your mouth come into action. They digest the sugar in your mouth and use it as a form of energy. Moreover, these harmful bacteria in the oral cavity react with sugar to form acid, which can eat away your tooth enamel. Alongside, certain not-so-good bacteria in your mouth convert sugar into a glue-like substance called plaque, which sticks on the surface of your tooth.
Naturally, the saliva contains minerals that can wash away harmful bacteria in your mouth. But unfortunately, even saliva cannot wash away plaque if it is continually forming.
Cavities Develop
As a result, you develop cavities. While the calcium and phosphate in saliva, along with fluoride toothpaste, help repair the enamel after an acid-attack. But repeated acid attacks followed by sugar intake can weaken the enamel, resulting in a cavity.
Simply put, a cavity is a hole in your tooth resulting from frequent and repeated acid-attacks. If left untreated, a cavity can grow deeper into your tooth and lead to pain and tooth loss.
Taking Care of Your Oral Health
The teeth in your oral cavity are always under attack because sugar is almost present in everything you eat. It is an essential ingredient of desserts and a significant component of every natural edible that contains carbohydrates.
Fortunately, there are ways to deal with the damage caused by sugar. Some of the ways you can take care of your teeth include
- Keep a check on what you eat,
- Brush your teeth twice daily,
- Floss regularly, and
- Schedule a visit to a dentist at least twice a year.
If you are looking for a reputable dentist in town, schedule an appointment at Brighter Smile Dental so you can control sugar-damage to your teeth and prevent possible tooth decay.