The Effects of Sugar On Your Teeth
Don’t let the sweetness fool you
Sugar is in an alarmingly high amount of foods and drinks and unless you’re scanning the ingredients of every single thing you consume, sugar is hard to avoid. Knowing the effects sugar has on us, might just make you a bit more vigilant when making your grocery selections.
Don’t let the sweetness fool you
Sugar is in an alarmingly high amount of foods and drinks and unless you’re scanning the ingredients of every single thing you consume, sugar is hard to avoid. Knowing the effects sugar has on us, might just make you a bit more vigilant when making your grocery selections.
What is sugar doing to my teeth?
The bacteria in your mouth that forms plaque absolutely loves sugar! The sugar acts as fuel for the bacteria and saliva present in the mouth and once they all combine it forms plaque which can then dissolve teeth enamel which can eventually lead to cavities.
This constant battle in the mouth means teeth are constantly under attack but these attacks when acids leach minerals from the enamel. Fortunately, this is naturally reversible through remineralisation which replaces those minerals and strengthens the teeth all over again.
The most important things which help here are saliva and fluoride, as they contain minerals such as calcium and phosphates, which are needed to repair teeth.
So I can eat as much sugar as I want?
Nope… sorry. Consuming high amounts of sugar throughout the day can prove too much for the natural remineralisation process.
What you eat and drink is just as important as brushing your teeth and flossing. If you consume nutritious food, rather than foods that are high in carbs, such as high sugar lollies, desserts and sugary drinks - which should only be seen as treats for special occasions. We’re not saying to cut these out of your diet completely but, you should brush your teeth straight after to avoid damage.
How do I avoid long-term teeth damage?
Keep on top of your oral hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day and if you can, give them a brush after meals. Don’t forget flossing to get those leftover particles from between your teeth and let your gums breathe!
Regular dental checkups
Visiting your dentist every 6 months will not only give you that deep clean that a toothbrush just can’t do, it will also help identify any issues before they become more complex (and more expensive). Regular checkups also mean you're less likely to need a visit to The Emergency Dentist Sydney.
There’s no need to deprive yourself of sugary deliciousness, just don’t forget the struggle of your teeth and don’t forget to treat them right!
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How Much Bacteria Is in My Mouth?
The Problems and Solutions
The Problems and Solutions
You might look in the mirror and think your teeth are clean but it’s the things you can’t see that matter. Bacteria are tiny organisms that live in every organ in your body and over every inch of your skin. And most of the time they’re absolutely harmless as well as essential to your continued health and wellbeing. But when it comes to your oral health, there are a few bacteria that can do a lot of damage.
Tooth Decay Bacteria
Bacteria can be found all through your mouth and can build up depending on what you eat and do. The most common type of bacteria that causes tooth decay is called Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria is always found in the mouth and feeds on the sugars and starches that you eat. The worst bit is that it secretes acids that attack the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities and gum disease.
Gum Disease Bacteria
Gum disease can cause a lot of damage to your mouth. There are two types of bacteria that usually cause gum disease, known as Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis. These bacteria can increase in number and secrete toxins that disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth. When this occurs, the bacteria attack the gums and cause infection, pain, and even tooth loss. Gum disease can be a serious problem, so if you think you have it make sure you seek professional help as soon as possible as it must be treated by a qualifies dentist to ensure the best outcome possible.
How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy
It’s impossible to get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth, and if you managed to do so you would be extremely sick. However, you need to be aware of the problems that some of these bacteria can cause and take measures to control their numbers and keep your mouth healthy. The following steps will help you do that:
Brush at least twice a day, especially after meals.
Floss your teeth every time you brush.
Make sure you see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleans.
Chew sugarless gum after meals to encourage saliva
Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash regularly.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
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