Is Sugar That Bad for Your Teeth?

You’ve likely heard sugar isn’t great for teeth and gums. That’s only natural – everyone from friends and family to neighbors has likely said so. Still, perhaps you don’t know how sugar impacts oral health. Just because you know *that* it’s bad for your smile doesn’t mean you know *why*. Luckily, your local Loveland dentist can help your situation. To that end, here’s a summary of sugar’s oral health effects and tips for fighting against them.

What Does Sugar Do to Oral Health?

Technically, sugar itself isn’t that harmful to your teeth. The oral bacteria it attracts is the real problem. As these microbes feed on the carb, they cause problems for your mouth. Such issues include the following:

Tooth Decay

When bacteria consume sugar, they produce tooth-eroding acids as a byproduct. Left unchecked, said acids will slowly but surely wear away your enamel. You’ll then suffer from severe cavities.

Given these facts, dentists suggest brushing your teeth soon after eating sugar. Doing so controls the bacteria and plaque on your enamel.

Gum Disease

Besides eroding teeth, the bacteria attracted by sugar also cause gum disease. That means they can infect and inflame the tissue surrounding your pearly whites.

If you aren’t careful, what starts as mild gum disease can become periodontitis. The latter is an advanced gum infection that destroys your gums and the bones beneath them. Should it go too far, it may cause tooth loss and other health concerns.

How to Fight Sugar’s Oral Effects

Fortunately, you don’t need to quit sugar to avoid its adverse oral effects. Simply have it in moderation instead of overeating. At the same time, practice the tips below:

• Eat Healthy Meals: Rather than binge on candy or ice cream, consider having foods high in protein and fiber. These might include nuts, cheese, and leafy greens, all promoting strong teeth. You could also replace a high-sugar snack with fresh fruit, carrots, and celery – the latter items wick plaque and bacteria away from your teeth.
• Drink Lots of Water: Anytime you have a meal, drink plenty of water during and after eating. This act promotes saliva production, removes bacteria, and washes away food bits.
• Find Sugar Substitutes: Try chewing sugar-free gum if you’re craving something sweet. This product contains xylitol, which tastes sugary but lacks the acid-promoting qualities of sugar.

As you can see, sugar negatively impacts oral health. To protect yourself, then, make sure to remember the tips above!

About the Practice

Gerome & Patrice Family Dentistry is based in Loveland, OH. Led by Drs. Mark Gerome and Gina Patrice, our practice offers the best in quality dental care. In particular, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency oral procedures. Our team also prides itself on being a certified provider of Smart Moves Orthodontics. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (513)-677-1349.