How Sugar Affects Your Teeth

“Stop eating so much candy! Your teeth are going to fall out!” is a phrase you probably heard as a child, and may have said yourself as a parent. While your teeth won’t immediately fall out from eating too much sugar, the chain of events that happen post-sugar indulgence can cause real damage to your teeth. 

Today we’re going to break down what happens after you eat sugar, and tips to help us limit sugar in order to benefit our oral health.

First things first, you probably know that your mouth is full of bacteria, but not all of it is good bacteria. When bad bacteria and sugar meet, they team up to create “acids” that can quickly become bacterial infections. These infections can demineralize your teeth by destroying the shiny, protective outer layer of enamel and if left untreated, can turn into cavities. 

If you’ve ever had a cavity before, you might be familiar with the pain and sensitivity to cold/hot and sweetened foods/drinks. Remember that cavities cannot be treated at home. They require professional care.

If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, please give us a call to schedule an appointment today (804)794-4588

What exactly happens when you eat or drink sugary foods?

Remember that bad bacteria we mentioned? They’re technically referred to as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus. Bacteria don't stick on nice clean healthy teeth, they stick on plaque.  So where ever plaque is difficult to remove, such as in between teeth or at the gum line, this is where you are more likely to get a cavity. This is why it’s recommended to brush your teeth after every meal. It’s because most of the time saliva production isn’t enough to remove all the bacteria.

Let’s put our scientist hats on for a minute!

The pH Scale measures how acidic or base something is, with 7 being neutral. When the pH of plaque drops below normal, or less than 5.5, the acidity starts to dissolve minerals and destroy the tooth’s enamel. 

(source: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/ph-scale-0) 

Tips To Limit Sugary Foods & Drinks

Everyone can take practical steps to reduce the likelihood of developing cavities - 

• Cut down on sugary foods and drinks is the #1 way to reduce the “acid attacks.” 

• Chew sugarless gum stimulates saliva production, which aids in washing away harmful bacteria.

• If your diet allows, consume calcium-rich foods, like dairy, to help to strengthen teeth.

• Brush twice a day with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day.

• If you do consume a sugary food or drink, try to drink a glass of water immediately after to help flush away bad bacteria.

• Keep regularly scheduled checkups with your dentist for cleanings and fluoride treatments as needed.

Have you scheduled your bi-annual cleanings for you and your family? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment (804)794-4588