What are the Effects of Sugar on Teeth?
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by Dr. Beau Beecher, DDS on 12/18/2018
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General
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: Sugar is bad for your teeth. Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay and cavities, but it is important to understand that sugar does not act alone. Eating sugar kickstarts a chain of events that can have a negative effect on your oral health.
How Sugar Destroys Your Tooth Enamel
You may or may not be aware that your mouth is home to hundreds of bacteria, some of which are beneficial to your oral health. But there are also harmful bacteria present, which feed on sugar and create acids that work to break down tooth enamel.
The bacterial infection from the acids will often lead to the development of a cavity in your tooth. Left untreated, the cavity can spread beyond the enamel and into the deeper layers. This can cause considerable pain and even result in the loss of a tooth.
How to Remineralize Tooth Enamel
So how can you reverse the damage to your teeth? There is actually a natural process in place called remineralization that replaces the minerals the acids remove from your teeth, allowing them to rebuild and restore their strength. Your saliva, which contains calcium and phosphates that help repair teeth, is a key part of this process.
Fluoride is a mineral that can both prevent tooth decay and help reverse its effects, at least in the early stages. All Kimball & Beecher offices offer professional fluoride treatments, but you can also inquire about prescription toothpaste that helps with remineralization.
More than anything, limiting your sugar intake is the most effective method for preventing harmful bacteria from having a negative impact on your oral health.
Prevent Tooth Decay. Schedule an Appointment With a Kimball & Beecher Dentist
Fortunately, it's easy to reduce the damage sugar can cause to your teeth. Regular dental exams with your dentist can help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Schedule an appointment with a Kimball & Beecher dentist today.