Your parents always told you (and maybe you tell your own kids) not to eat too much sugar because “it’ll rot your teeth!” Oh, why do the things that taste so delicious have to be bad for us? Why indeed!
Why Is Sugar Bad for Your Teeth?
Technically, sugar itself is not the culprit in tooth decay, but don’t use that as your rationale for overindulging on delicious desserts! It’s actually the harmful bacteria in our mouths that feed on the sugar and in turn create acids that start the process of demineralization that results in cavities.
This is why we fight plaque and tooth decay by brushing and flossing at home and visiting the dentist for biannual professional cleanings and checkups. There are also beneficial minerals in saliva! Saliva contains calcium and phosphate to help your enamel to re-mineralize itself, fighting the acids created by sugars and plaque bacteria. So while sugar isn’t exactly the cause for tooth decay, it’s definitely still an accessory.
Sugar is not only bad for your teeth, but it’s also bad for your overall health, although this comes as little surprise. Health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and even depression have been linked to excessive sugar.
Tips to Cut Back on Sugar
- Don’t drink it – Winter and fall are the seasons for delicious drinks like hot chocolate and Starbucks’ Caramel Apple Spice, but these kinds of drinks are loaded with sugar. A tall Caramel Apple Spice with whipped cream alone has a whopping 55 grams of sugar. (That’s much more than a can of coke!)
- Limit the frequency – When it comes to your dental health, it’s better to eat your sugar all at once, rather than spreading it out by sipping a soda or snacking throughout the day.
- Consider healthier swaps – Check out Prevention’s recommendations for some smart sugar swaps!
Even if you cut back on or completely cut out sugar, you still have to keep up your regular visits to the team at Apple Springs Family Dentistry. While sugar might be a chief enemy of oral health, it’s certainly not the only one, and our team can help you maintain your overall dental wellness.