Many are familiar with how sugar can affect overall health, but fewer are familiar with why general dentistry practices recommend avoiding sugar. Sugar can have a negative impact on oral health and the appearance of your smile. This article discusses exactly why sugar is potentially harmful to the teeth and gums.
The following is everything to know about how sugar consumption can damage oral health and how to keep a healthy and beautiful smile by limiting sugar and other refined carbohydrates. This can reduce the risk of needing restorative care in the future.
Sugar is a carbohydrate. Like many other carbohydrates, sugar can combine with bacteria that naturally develop in the mouth. When this occurs, it triggers an acidic reaction that can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel and damage the gums. This leads to common oral health concerns such as dental cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. By limiting sugar consumption and taking precautions when consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar, the risk of oral health concerns is substantially reduced.
As mentioned above, excessive sugar consumption could lead to a range of oral health concerns, particularly if the patient does not have a consistent oral care routine in place between their cleaning and check-up visits. Common issues that can develop as a consequence of excessive sugar consumption and poor hygiene are:
The risks depend on how long issues remain undetected and untreated. It is important to visit a dentist for check-up visits every four to six months and limit how much sugar is consumed between visits.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 24 grams of sugar per day. While this number is recommended for heart health, it is a good rule to follow for protecting oral health as well. The more sugar that is consumed, the more important it is to practice good oral hygiene and consistently brush, floss, and use mouthwash.
Foods and drinks such as candy and soft drinks can harm oral health. On the other hand, there are some ways to actually improve oral health with dietary choices. One way is to consume more calcium, which can strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of dental decay. It can also help to drink water throughout the day, especially drinking water with fluoride, to wash away bacteria and keep teeth enamel and the gums strong.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Atlanta, GA
If you have questions about how sugar affects oral health or are interested in scheduling a check-up visit with our office, contact us today. We value the oral health of our patients, and we do everything we can to prevent any issues from ever developing, along with offering restorative services.
Request an appointment or call Dr. Charles Arp, DDS & Dr. Smriti Bajaj, DMD at 404-682-2887 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.
General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Teeth cleanings are one of the staples of general dentistry, and the American Association of Dentists recommends getting them at least two times per year. The procedure protects teeth against tooth decay and gum disease.Tooth decay and gum disease are the top two reasons people…
Looking for a general dentistry office? Read on to learn some tips on how to find the right one for you. It is important to find a general dentist that you are comfortable with and trust. The convenience of their location and the services they offer should also play a role in your decision, along…
Going to your general dentistry clinic can help enhance your oral health. Dental damage and wear can happen to anyone. They can lead to tooth loss without getting the right kind of treatment. If you want to know how general dentistry can lengthen the life of your dentition, here are the details.General dentistry offers different…