National Candy Month – How Sugar Affects Teeth

Most people don’t realize just how sugar affects teeth when they grab for that handful of candy. Many believe that it’s okay to eat candy and other sugary treats every now and then. And, while the occasional indulging of the sweet tooth is definitely not harmful, you have to realize that sugar doesn’t just come from candy.

From cookies, cakes, and sodas, sugar is pretty much everywhere you look. And, if you don’t stay on top of your sugar consumption, you’ll be putting your teeth at risk for tooth decay and cavities.

Why Sugar Is Bad For Your Teeth

Each time you eat or drink anything that contains sugar, you only end up feeding bacteria inside your mouth. The more sugar you eat, the more it’s able to feed and produce acids that are powerful enough to dissolve tooth enamel and caused tooth decay if left unchecked.

Without going into the exact science of all this, the best way to explain why sugar is bad for your teeth is that the more sugar you eat, the more often you expose your teeth to decay-causing acids.

What You Can Do About It

There are two things you can do prevent your sugar consumption from doing much damage on your teeth: cut down on your sugar intake, and preventative care by taking proper care of your teeth. The latter is much easier to do.

Simply by brushing your teeth thoroughly after every meal rids it off any food particles and bacteria. Meanwhile, flossing at least once takes care of the area in between your teeth, which is where bacteria tend to hide. If you’re at work, try to carry a travel toothbrush with you, or even a disposable toothbrush. If that’s not applicable, using and gargling mouthwash in between meals is also a good idea.

Never discount the importance of regular dental checkups and cleaning appointments for your family either; if not to prevent, regular checkups help make sure that tooth decay are taken care of as soon as signs show up.

Meanwhile, cutting down on sugar intake, while not easy, isn’t exactly impossible. Of course, you can’t really cut sugar completely from your family’s diet. Instead, what you can do is to make a few dietary adjustments.

You can start by eating nutritious meals with a healthy mix of grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and low-fat dairy every day. Limiting snacks in between meals can also help.

For kids, you can offer them healthy snack alternatives to candy, such as cheese, fruits, chocolate milk, and yogurt. And, if you must have a treat, be sure to save them for dessert when you’re likely to brush your teeth after anywhere.

Substituting sugar-laden sodas and store-bought fruit juices with home-made ones, or better yet, just plain water, is also a good idea.

Sugar isn’t necessarily bad for you. It’s just that, like everything else in life, it’s best to take it in only in moderation. So long as you remember that, and practice good oral hygiene at home and visit the Dr. Farless often, your teeth will be in relatively good shape for years.

Call Dr. Graham Farless in Greensboro, NC today for an appointment at 336-282-2868 or www.gsodentist.com.