adminGood oral health and hygiene is the key to preventing bad breath, gum diseases and tooth decay, etc. Good oral care and hygiene involve regularly brushing the teeth. It doesn’t end there, though. It also extends to your choice of foods.
Most probably, we all know that sugar is harmful to our oral health. But then, we don’t know how it affects our teeth; therefore, rarely take the necessary caution. Read on to learn how sugar impacts your teeth, and how to reverse the effects.
Side Effects of Sugar on Oral Health
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NICDR), reports that our mouth has lots of naturally occurring bacteria. These bacteria play a pivotal role in balancing the pH of the overall oral system. Among these bacteria, there are also harmful oral bacteria which feed on sugar in the mouth then produces harmful acids which damage the enamel.
After damaging the enamel, which is the tooth’s protective layer, cavities form due to bacterial infection. When these cavities are not diagnosed early and controlled, they extend to the soft tissues of the tooth, causing excruciating pain, bad breath, and tooth loss in extreme cases.
Just like other organs of the body, the mouth is also naturally suited to fight off these bacteria. This is how it works:
Acids suck vital minerals from the enamel, via a process called demineralization. To reverse this process, your saliva performs an opposite process known as remineralization. This reverse process is essential in replacing the lost minerals and strengthening the teeth. The minerals like phosphates and calcium, which are naturally present in the saliva help in repairing the damaged enamel.
Nevertheless, if you eat a lot of sugary foods, and snacks, e.g. sweets, and biscuits, etc. you increase the intensity of bacterial attacks on the enamel which speeds up mineral lose to weaken the enamel and destroy it.
How to Prevent Cavities
The golden rule to preventing cavities is reducing sugar consumption. You can also increase saliva flow by eating fibrous fruits and vegetables to help in naturally cleaning the teeth. It is also advisable that you eat other calcium reach foods like dairy products to strengthen the teeth. Also, be sure to brush your teeth regularly and drink a lot of fluoridated water to reverse simple tooth decay.
Get an Expert’s Help/Advice
If the oral problems are stressing or causing too much pain, it’s equally important to seek professional help. When you visit a certified dentist, he/she will examine the teeth to determine the extent of the problem.
Depending on the severity of your condition, the dentist may recommend any of the following dental treatment processes;
- Fluoride treatment
- Dental Fillings
- Dental crowning
- Root canals, and
- Tooth removal/extraction
It is not advisable to overlook any unpleasant oral condition. Regular oral checkups may also help you avert more problems before they become extensive.
Take Away
Do you want regular tips on how to maintain good oral health? Be sure to contact us to get expert advice. You can also follow our blog to get the latest updates and tips on how to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
