Sugar being bad for the teeth is something you might have heard often enough since you were a child. However, eating lollies, chocolates, cakes, pastries and all sorts of sweet treats is something most people – not just kids – like to indulge in.
In fact, many people consume sugar on a daily basis without giving it much thought.
If you like sweet foods and beverages, you might find this post interesting because Holistic Dental Melbourne CBD discusses how sugar affects your teeth.
With this information, you’ll understand the risks you’re taking in terms of your oral health by continuing to indulge in sugary foods and drinks. You can also take steps to curb your sugar consumption and prevent potential damage to your teeth.
Below are the top 3 ways sugar affects your teeth and overall oral health:
1. It causes tooth decay.
Tooth decay can result from consuming sugary meals and drinks regularly. Numerous bacterial species like Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus that naturally inhabit your mouth, feed on sugar. This type of bacteria, gradually transforms the sugar into acid, which then eats away the tooth enamel and results in cavities or tooth decay. This is why the best dentist in Melbourne advises people to minimise their intake of sugary foods, as well as to practise good dental habits like flossing and brushing.
2. It contributes to gum disease.
You can also develop gum disease brought on by the mouth bacteria that thrives on sugar. If you ignore gum disease symptoms (e.g., bleeding gums), the issue could get worse and result in tooth loss. Additionally, if you develop diabetes (another disease linked to sugar consumption), it can cause oral sores to heal more slowly, which can then raise your chances of developing gum disease.
3. It erodes the tooth enamel.
Hard lollies and fruit juices can erode the teeth and sugar consumption results in the formation of acids that attack the tooth enamel, leading the teeth to gradually dull and lose their natural colour. This can also make your teeth more sensitive.
Sweet acidic drinks like soda, apple and orange juice have also been found to damage the enamel and dentine, which are both key components of the teeth.
Visit your dentist in Melbourne CBD today!
Excessive sugar consumption can lead to serious dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease and enamel loss. By minimising or eliminating your intake of foods high in sugar and practising good oral health, you can reduce your risk of suffering from oral health issues.
Aside from routinely brushing and flossing, visit your dentist in Melbourne CBD regularly to have healthy teeth and gums.
