The following is everything to know about how sugar consumption can damage oral health and how to keep a healthy and beautiful smile by limiting sugar and other refined carbohydrates. This can reduce the risk of needing restorative care in the future.
Sugar is a carbohydrate. Like many other carbohydrates, sugar can combine with bacteria that naturally develop in the mouth. When this occurs, it triggers an acidic reaction that can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel and damage the gums. This leads to common oral health concerns such as dental cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. By limiting sugar consumption and taking precautions when consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar, the risk of oral health concerns is substantially reduced.
As mentioned above, excessive sugar consumption could lead to a range of oral health concerns, particularly if the patient does not have a consistent oral care routine in place between their cleaning and check-up visits. Common issues that can develop as a consequence of excessive sugar consumption and poor hygiene are:
The risks depend on how long issues remain undetected and untreated. It is important to visit a dentist for check-up visits every four to six months and limit how much sugar is consumed between visits.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 24 grams of sugar per day. While this number is recommended for heart health, it is a good rule to follow for protecting oral health as well. The more sugar that is consumed, the more important it is to practice good oral hygiene and consistently brush, floss, and use mouthwash.
Foods and drinks such as candy and soft drinks can harm oral health. On the other hand, there are some ways to actually improve oral health with dietary choices. One way is to consume more calcium, which can strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of dental decay. It can also help to drink water throughout the day, especially drinking water with fluoride, to wash away bacteria and keep teeth enamel and the gums strong.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Woodland Hills, CA
If you have questions about how sugar affects oral health or are interested in scheduling a check-up visit with our office, contact us today. We value the oral health of our patients, and we do everything we can to prevent any issues from ever developing, along with offering restorative services.
Request an appointment or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at 818-657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.
General dentistry helps prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. General dentists are the most common types of dentists, and they spend most of their time performing preventative treatments.Many patients have oral health questions for general dentists. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked…
General dentistry focuses on preventative treatments that help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing and flossing are the foundations of preventative dentistry, and the type of toothpaste that you use can make your brushing sessions even more effective.With so many different types of toothpaste to choose from, figuring out what type works best can…
When you think of general dentistry, you may first think of teeth cleanings, examinations, and fluoride treatments. While these are typical services at the dentist’s office, treatments for more serious issues are common too. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be in pain and may be prone to getting infections or cavities. The…
Dental bonding is a process that restores the functionality and attractiveness of a patient’s smile…
While a dentist may be able to identify some telltale signs of TMJ, patients should…
Licensed dentists often recommend dental bonding to repair minor to moderate concerns with front visible…
Wondering what a general dentist can do for a broken tooth? Read on to learn…
If you have experienced a cavity at least once, you almost certainly have had a…
Composite fillings are a common treatment for filling cavities and addressing tooth decay. These treatments…
