The answer to that is probably a resounding yes! Unfortunately, we have all been exposed to more sugar than we need and now it is very difficult to resist. The craving for sugary food is quite high and the more you have, the more you want. Some people do prefer more savory snacks, but the majority of people, have a penchant for cakes, chocolate and cookies. This is an addiction and although it is not your fault, you should take steps to minimize your sugar intake to ensure your teeth remain cavity-free.
Why Does Sugar Cause Cavities?
Everyone has a mouth full of bacteria and that is good. This helps to regulate the atmosphere in the mouth and keeps your teeth and gums in a healthy condition. However, when sugar is constantly introduced, the bacteria just love that sugar, but unfortunately one the bacteria start feeding on the sugar the by-product is acid, and it is this acid that destroys the enamel on the teeth teeth.
Once the pH balance in the mouth has been lost, then it is a certain win for decay! This is because the bacteria in your mouth has now turned bad and the bad bacteria can start to proliferate and increase, and this will affect your teeth and gums. It hides in all the nooks and crannies of your teeth and as the aid starts to erode the enamel, the bad bacteria can penetrate your tooth structure.
Is All Sugar Harmful To Teeth?
There is a lot of debate about the effects of sugar in the mouth. However, it is agreed that anything that contains sugar that sticks to the teeth is not very good at all, as it allows the perfect environment for the bad bacteria to get to work at destroying the tooth. Sticky sweets, lollipops, candies are all very bad for teeth. Cookie and cupcakes are a bit better for your teeth, as they contain fats and milk that help to balance out the pH in your mouth, although they won’t help your weight!
How To Ensure You Have Less Cavities If You Have A Sweet Tooth
It would be better if you could reduce your sugar intake as this will not only improve your general health but will ensure you have fewer dental procedures to endure. However, we all know how difficult this can be so what steps can you take to minimize the effects of sugar on teeth? One of the best ways is to clean and floss your teeth more regularly. In addition, to brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using an anti-bacterial mouthwash will help reduce the amount of bad bacteria in your mouth, thus reducing the effect of the sugar on your teeth. Regular visits to your dentist for cleaning will also help.
Can Fluoride Help?
We are fortunate as we many places already have fluoride added to their water as a preventative measure. However, if fluoride is not added to your water, then ensure you use a fluoride toothpaste as this will help to strengthen your enamel against the weakening effects of the sugar.