We’ve all heard dentists say that sugar is bad for teeth, but health information is always changing. Could it be possible that this is another one of those bad pieces of advice that has circulated for decades? Unfortunately, Dr. Brent Blaylock in Durham, NC has some bad news: sugar really is as bad for your teeth as you’ve heard.
Sugar Damages Your Teeth
Bacteria love sugar, and the sugar in leftover food particles on the teeth feeds oral bacteria that destroys tooth enamel. More specifically, these bacteria and food particles create a sticky substance on the surface of the teeth called plaque. When plaque is left to harden on the teeth, the bacteria break down tooth enamel and expose the sensitive tissues in the teeth, forming cavities.
Eating food with a lot of extra sugar accelerates this process, especially in hard-to-reach places like between the teeth. Since most of us don’t brush our teeth immediately after we eat, it’s important to reduce our sugar intake to avoid accelerating tooth decay.
Sugar is Hiding in Most Food
Almost every food has sugar, and many drinks contain sugar as well. Even healthy foods like fruits and vegetables have sugar, but the primary culprit of American tooth decay is the sugar hiding in nearly every processed food available everywhere.
How to Help Your Teeth
We know that completely eliminating sugar from your diet is impractical — even dentists consume sugar! Changing the source of your sugar is a great first step. Eating more fruits and vegetables instead of processed food will significantly reduce the amount of sugar in your mouth, and it’s better for your overall health.
Regular brushing and flossing is the best way to remove plaque from the teeth. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and keeping regular appointments with Dr. Blaylock.
To keep plaque and tooth decay under control, schedule a consultation with Dr. Blaylock today.