It’s pretty common knowledge that sugar is bad for your teeth. There’s probably been a fair few instances in your life when someone has told you that too many sweets will rot your teeth. It’s no secret, and yet tooth decay due to excessive sugar consumption remains a highly prevalent issue in our society. We at Caterham Smiles are passionate about educating our patients so that they can apply that knowledge to their lives and avoid the horrors of tooth decay. This should not only help them stave off tooth decay but should also prevent any other dental issues from occurring.
Sugar Isn’t Actually the Main Cause of Tooth Decay
People aren’t lying when they say that too much sugar is bad for your teeth. However, this is somewhat of an oversimplification of what actually occurs. The real culprit is lactic acid, which is produced when the sugar that you consume reacts with the bacteria in plaque. Lactic acid is a damaging substance that lowers the pH level of your teeth and dissolves the minerals on your teeth’s enamel. Enamel is designed to protect your teeth from harm, meaning damage to the enamel results in your teeth being exposed and vulnerable. This ultimately is what will lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Avoiding the Impact of Sugar on Your Oral Health
It’s important to understand how sugar ingredients affect dental care in Caterham so that you know how to combat their impact. The obvious solution to fighting the impact of sugar is to cut it out entirely. However, we at Caterham Smiles understand that this approach is neither practical nor sustainable in this day and age. We therefore suggest limiting the amount you consume on a daily basis, perhaps making small swaps, which will ultimately make a big difference. If you’re accustomed to sugar in your morning coffee, why not try it unsweetened during the week, and save the sugar as a weekend treat? Next time you’re in the supermarket, perhaps opt for natural peanut butter instead of your regular added-sugar option. We also suggest saving your sugar intake for mealtimes and keeping your snacks on the low-sugar side. If you decide to consume any sugary beverages, it’s a good idea to drink through a straw to limit your teeth’s exposure to sugar.
While it may seem obvious to some, many are not particularly diligent when it comes to maintaining basic oral hygiene. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, preferably with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This will remove any plaque or dangerous bacteria from your teeth. We also suggest flossing daily, as this can remove any leftover food from between teeth which could otherwise lead to tooth decay. If you do decide to consume sugary foods or drinks, it is advised that you rinse your mouth out with water to remove any food or sugar from your teeth.
Come to Caterham Smiles for Preventive and Restorative Dental Care
Follow these simple steps, and you will be shocked at how effective they are in preventing tooth decay. On top of these, one of the most beneficial things you can do for your oral health is attend regular dental checkups. There are many dental issues that can initially go unnoticed until they have significantly worsened. That’s why it’s important to have your teeth examined by a professional so that they can administer any treatments if needed and prevent further issues from occurring down the line. At Caterham Smiles, we have a treatment option for everyone. Whether you’re in need of preventive care, cosmetic dentistry or more specialist care, we’ve got you covered. To avoid tooth decay and make sure your teeth are in tip-top condition, contact Caterham Smiles today to book an appointment.
