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!