Why Is Sugar Bad for Your Teeth?

Sweet things are delicious. From chocolate and soda to juice and cake, we love sugar. Most of us admit to having an active sweet tooth, despite knowing that too much sugar is actually detrimental to teeth! But why is this the case? We’ve got the answer.

First, it’s important to know that sugar in itself is not a bad thing. It’s the chemical reaction that happens in the mouth when you eat it that causes tooth decay and cavities. Certain bacteria in saliva interact feed off of sugar and create acids that eat away at tooth enamel when left unchecked. This ultimately results in cavities, pain and other oral problems.

Preventing the Negative Effects of Sugar Consumption

A healthy diet and good oral hygiene are the best defenses against the harmful effects of sugar. When given the right care, your mouth is quite skilled at repairing itself through the process of remineralization (the opposite of this process, demineralization, occurs when sugar acids attack teeth).

Limiting sugar consumption, making sure that you are getting plenty of calcium (from healthy sources like dairy products and leafy greens), and staying hydrated can all contribute to a healthy mouth free of cavities.

This advice is an important part of teaching smart oral hygiene and health habits to children, who are particularly susceptible to cavities and tooth decay.

Remember that cavities and other signs of tooth decay are not always obvious. That’s one reason why you should make sure you and your family members are visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can check for sneaky problems and provide a thorough dental cleaning.

Vacendak Dentistry is here for your family. Call or contact us now to schedule a dentist appointment. We are located conveniently between the Greenbrier and Kempsville areas of Chesapeake and accept most dental  insurance plans.