The Truth About Sweets and How They Damage Teeth

Tooth decay is a typical subject talked about by the dentist in Buford. People need to understand the impact sugary drinks and food are having on dental health at every age. Sugar can help aid in the decline of oral health. Take a look at some of the ways those favorite sweets are damaging teeth.

Sugar in both forms

Sugar occurs naturally in some foods, like fruit. It is responsible for making apples and bananas taste so sweet. Sugar is also manufactured and added to other foods and beverages. High-fructose corn syrup got a lot of attention in recent years for sugary drinks like soda pop and some fruit juices. Sugar, whether it is natural or added, can have the same negative effect on teeth.

Deposits on teeth

Sugar is sticky and easily adheres to the surface of teeth. Whether it is in liquid or solid form, it makes no difference; the result is the same. Since most food contains some measure of sugar, almost everything has the potential to leave residue behind. However, understand that sugar is not the reason for cavities. Instead, it is the catalyst which may start the events that lead to it.

A dentist in Buford explains decay

Healthline describes the mouth as a battlefield, which is accurate when you consider how much goes on in the space. Bacteria exist in many forms in the mouth, including saliva, gums and on teeth. Some of the bacteria are bad while some are good for the body. The decay process, however, has to do with the bad type of bacteria.

Bacteria stick to teeth with the help of sugar

Harmful bacteria entering the body through the mouth have a fair shot at creating issues if there is some way for the particles to stick to teeth. Enter sugar, that sweet sticky substance people love to eat. It reaches out and grabs on to the bacteria, giving them a nice place to stay.

Improper cleaning

If a person does not work hard to maintain a healthy brushing and flossing routine, sugary bacteria deposits remain on the teeth. The longer it stays, the more likely it is to develop into plaque. After a couple of days, plaque becomes tartar, a harder tooth coating that is difficult to remove with brushing alone.

Festering danger

When bacteria particles remain on the surface of the teeth too long, they begin to eat away at the enamel. At some point, the coating gives way and creates holes. These holes allow easy passage for further bacteria to gain entry into the tooth. This is what causes cavities. If no intervention happens, the bacteria continue down into the teeth and eventually may breach the gums and roots, causing irreversible and painful consequences.

Conclusion

Sugar alone is not the cause of tooth decay, and a dentist in Buford will be happy to explain the process further. Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks may help decrease the chances of impacting oral health. However, regular visits to the dentist as well as a healthy cleansing routine may make all the difference. Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office.

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