What Does Sugar Do To Your Teeth?

We all consume sugar in our diet, its hard to stray away from. While sugar has many adverse effects on our overall health, what are the many ways that sugar can affect your teeth and gums? Little known fact, your overall health is in many ways connected to your dental health, so it is essential to do everything you can to maintain and restore oral health.

Sugar Changes Your Mouth Acidity

Sugar affects the PH balance of your mouth. Your saliva has a natural acidity, and when combined with regular tooth brushing it can maintain a low PH level, which in turn can create an environment for optimal tooth and gum health. When you introduce sugar, your saliva interacts and begins to break it down. As the naturally occurring bacteria in your saliva mix with the sugar, they create acid, which in turn drives up the PH balance in your mouth. This imbalance can lead to a more acidic environment in your mouth. During this time this acid will begin to eat into the enamel of your teeth, creating dental caries, also known as cavities.

Sugar Also Leads to Bacterial Growth

These destructive and toxic acids that are created when you consume sugary foods and drinks form the perfect environment for unwelcome guest: tiny bacteria. This bacteria can lead to gum diseases such as gingivitis and in turn, receding gums that require complex procedures to repair the damage. It is difficult to avoid sugar altogether, so it is important to practice proper dental hygiene and schedule regular dental checkups.

Effects of Not Brushing after Consuming Sugary Foods and Drinks

The bacteria that begins to grow if you do not practice proper dental hygiene, can turn into plaque that irritates your gums and can eventually lead to swelling and even bleeding. As this plaque begins to accumulate, it will lead to the formation of tarter. Tarter is a hardened crusty material. When tarter is left on the teeth it will start to cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, which in turn allows bacteria to creep deeper below the gum line and into the jawbone.

This process can lead to the development of severe gum disease and an increased number of cavities in your teeth. Severe gum disease can cause painful swelling and bleeding, also known as periodontitis. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to the breakdown of connective tissue and tooth loss and the need for expensive procedures such as bridges, implants, or dentures.

It is recommended by dental experts to avoid sugary drinks and foods whenever possible, and to be sure to always brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating or drinking, especially if those foods or beverages are sweeter with sugar, corn syrup, or other forms of sugar. Keep your teeth healthy and strong by making sure to brush and floss everyday and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for your annual checkups and dental cleanings.