Everybody knows it, sugar is bad for your teeth. However, do we know the full extent of the damage it causes? You’ve been regularly warned that sugar damages teeth, and many tend to stay away from sugary treats when they understand how much sugar is contained within them. What’s not fully shared is the chain of events that causes sugar to build up in your teeth, causing dangerous cavities to form.
How Cavities Develop In Your Mouth
The mouth is full of healthy and unhealthy bacteria. It is, however, very easy to catch more harmful bacteria if you eat regular sugars. The harmful bacteria feed on the sugar consumed from foods that create acid particles, causing your tooth enamel to degrade. The enamel is the shiny protective outer layer on the tooth that intends to keep your teeth white. Cavities are formed by acids and without dental treatment, typically just a scale-and-polish, cavities can push through your enamel and damage the inner layers of your teeth. This can cause severe pain and tooth loss.
Sugary beverages are the main culprit of high levels of sugar. Beverages including diet soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks and hot drinks that contain high acid levels.
How To Fight Cavities And Maintain A Healthy Mouth
It is never too late to adjust your lifestyle and keep those cavities at bay. Here are some key considerations that will help fight those cavities to make way for a strong, shiny mouth:
- For all sugary drinks, consume in moderation, preferably reduce to once a week and only consume during a heavy meal. Introduce water to your diet to wash away the debris from your mouth.
- Drink regular water throughout the day. Water is the best drink to ensure that your mouth stays clean and healthy.
- Consider the recommendation of using fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. The mild abrasive help remove plaque, debris and dark stains to keep your teeth shiny.
- Consume fibre-favoured vegetables and calcium foods such as cheese and yogurts to keep your teeth strong.
Book regular check-up appointments with the dentist. They are in the best position to view the state of your teeth and recommend future actions to keep the cavity low. Why not read here on what to typically expect from an appointment?
Our Final Thoughts
A balanced diet and good oral hygiene are the two key factors that will help fight tooth decay and reduce cavities. You should also consider consuming sugary drinks with a straw to keep the liquid away from your teeth.
Bacteria inside your mouth works to break itself down. This produces acid in the process depending on if you consume sugar. Take good care of your lifestyle and your teeth will take care of you.
If you need more help on adopting a healthy lifestyle, our helpful and knowledgeable team at Kooringal Dental in Wagga Wagga is on hand to keep your teeth healthy and shiny. Contact us at Kooringal Dental in Wagga Wagga now.
