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How Sugar Harms Your Teeth and Gums 2022

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How Sugar Harms Your Teeth - Brampton Dentist

 

How Sugar Harms Your Teeth And Gums

Most of us have absolutely no idea how much sugar harms your teeth.  We all know sugar is bad for our teeth, but how does it affect the gums? What about gum disease? How Does sugar affect my kid’s teeth? In this article, we will answer these questions and many more.

How sugar harms your teeth

Sugar isn’t just bad for your waistline and overall health- sugar harms your teeth. Sugar is one of the leading causes of cavity formation, tooth decay, and gum disease — so sugar should be avoided at all costs! The most common way sugar harms your teeth is that it will cause tooth decay. Tooth decay can be caused by bacteria metabolizing sugar into acids which then eat away at the enamel and eventually reach your pearly whites!

The effect of sugar on the gums

And how does sugar affect our gums you ask? Well, you may not think too much about your gums, but they play a crucial role in protecting your teeth from various diseases such as jaw bone loss and damage to nerves due to periodontal disease (gum disease).

In addition to cavities and tooth decay, sugar has also been linked with gum disease — the number one cause of adult tooth loss. The sticky consistency of sugar can attract plaque to the gum line, leading to gingivitis Gum disease occurs when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up on the teeth and gums, causing them to become red, swollen and bleed easily. If left untreated, gum disease can progress and damage the bone that supports your teeth.

Sugar affecting our gums negatively affects these aspects as gum disease has been linked with major effects such as an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

What can you do to prevent tooth decay?

There are many helpful ways to reduce the effect sugar has on our teeth and gums.

  • One of the best things you can do for your oral health is brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss every day (or at least try!)
  • Avoid sugary snacks between meals
  • Drink water throughout the day rather than soda or juice.

If it’s practical, eating less overall will also help as this cuts out different food groups that affect gum disease such as sugars from fruit juices! These may seem like simple suggestions but they have been shown time and time again to be very effective in reducing how sugar harms your teeth. So, the next time you are feeling guilty about that extra cookie or piece of cake, remember it’s not just your waistline you’re affecting – your pearly whites may be in trouble too!

How do I avoid sugar?

Sugar is a common sweetener found in many types of food and drink. Although it tastes good, sugar harms your teeth and gums if you eat or drink too much of it over time. Eating lots of sugary foods every day could cause tooth decay (where bacteria damages the surface enamel on your teeth), as well as other issues such as gum disease. Replace sugary snacks with healthy alternatives such as fruits and vegetables. And be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away any sugars left on your teeth.  This is one of the best ways in which we can control how much sugar harms your teeth and gums.

Sugar harms your teeth?What If I’m diabetic?

Sugar not only harms our teeth and gums  but if you have diabetes, eating sugars may determine how often your dentist visits should be scheduled. The effect that sugar has on blood glucose levels means that people with this condition need to monitor their intake carefully so they don’t suffer from dangerous highs and lows throughout the day.

In some cases, reducing sugar consumption might not just help prevent cavities and gum disease, but could also lower the risk of diabetes and heart problems.

If you’re not diabetic, consuming sugar will still affect your teeth and gums, so it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re eating.

What if my sugar intake has already caused tooth decay?

If you already have tooth decay, see your dentist for treatment. There are a number of treatments available, including fillings, crowns, and dental implants. Your first step should be to contact your dentist immediately for an examination. After you and your dentist have a full understanding of the situation you can discuss the best treatment for your situation.

How does sugar affect my children’s teeth?

Sugar consumption is one of the leading factors of tooth decay in children, but there are many other things that contribute to this problem as well. From poor oral hygiene habits like not regularly brushing or flossing teeth, to dietary choices such as eating too many acidic foods at once without enough water between meals. All these factors combined with an increase in sugary snacks cause plaque buildup on our teeth which provides food for bacteria that eat away at enamel until cavities form. Sugar also has a direct effect on tooth decay by feeding the bacteria that creates acid which eats away at your teeth.

If sugar harms my teeth, what about my kids’ teeth?

Though many adults who suffer from poor oral health say they had a poor diet as a child, it is not always easy to determine whether sugar consumption is the root cause of tooth decay. Some signs that sugar may be harming your child’s teeth include:

– Frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks

– Sugar is visible on their teeth after eating or drinking

– A high level of plaque buildup on their teeth

– Oral health problems such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

What can I do to help protect my kids’ teeth from sugar?

There are many things you can do to help protect your children’s teeth from the damaging effects of sugar. Some tips include:

– Limiting sugary snacks and drinks between meals

– Encouraging your child to brush their teeth twice daily

– Teaching them about proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques

– Making regular dental visits a priority so you can monitor the development of any potential problems.

Ok, so I think we have established the many ways sugar harms your teeth and gums.  So what can you do? The best way to avoid these harmful effects is by limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks, brushing and flossing regularly, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups. For more information on how sugar harms your teeth and gums, visit our website or contact us today!

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