It’s no secret that sugar is bad for your oral health. How many times have you been told that too many sweets will rot your teeth? Probably a fair few times. Yet, tooth decay is still a major issue in our society that desperately needs to be addressed. Here at Wallington Smiles, we believe that knowledge is a powerful tool. We want to help you understand how sugar is bad for your teeth, so that you know how to prevent dental issues from occurring.
Sugar Isn’t Actually What Causes Tooth Decay
While it’s not a lie that overconsumption of sugar can lead to tooth decay, it isn’t actually sugar itself that does the damage. When you consume sugar, the glucose reacts with the bacteria in your plaque to create lactic acid. This acid is highly destructive and can lower the pH level of your teeth. By so doing, the acid will start to dissolve the minerals in your teeth’s enamel. As it is a sturdy coating designed to protect your teeth from harm, damage to the enamel can leave your teeth vulnerable, which may lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Avoiding the Impact of Sugar on Your Oral Health
Now that you are aware of how sugar ingredients affect dental care in Wallington, you can apply this knowledge to your life to prevent tooth decay from occurring. Here at Wallington Smiles, we believe prevention is better than cure. That’s why we offer plenty of preventive care to halt tooth decay in its tracks. One step you can take to reduce your risk of tooth decay is to limit your intake of sugar. It wouldn’t be particularly sustainable or practical to cut out sugar entirely from your diet, especially in our modern world. However, making small choices can make a huge impact on your health. Perhaps opt for a low-sugar alternative to your favourite sugary snack, or take your morning tea unsweetened. In a similar vein, it can be beneficial to save your sugary foods for mealtimes and keep any snacks sugar-free. When drinking sweet beverages, it can be useful to use a straw to limit your teeth’s exposure to sugar.
It’s also crucial not to overlook general oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride can be highly effective in staving off tooth decay, as it will remove any plaque and damaging bacteria from your teeth. It is also highly advised to make flossing a daily habit, as this will remove any food from in between your teeth. If neglected, this leftover food could result in tooth decay. After consuming any sugary foods or drinks, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth out with water in order to remove any food or sugar from your teeth.
Come to Wallington Smiles for Preventive and Restorative Dental Care
These simple tips will prove invaluable when it comes to preventing tooth decay. On top of following these steps, it’s also incredibly important to attend your regular dental checkups. This will allow your dentist to administer any suitable treatments that may be required and spot any potential problems before they become too severe. Here at Wallington Smiles, we offer a vast array of treatments for any problem you might have. To prevent the risk of tooth decay, please contact Wallington Smiles today. Our friendly team will be happy to help with any enquiries you might have.
