Sugar: Is it Really as Bad for Your Teeth as They Say It Is?

It’s no secret that sugar is bad for your health. Most physicians agree that it’s one of the worst things you can eat if you want to improve your stamina, lose weight, or have healthier teeth and gums. There are a ton of diets out there all the time, but while the verdict may be out on most of them, the truth is that sugar – no matter what else you eat – should be consumed sparingly.

In fact, when you talk to your California dentist, no matter the status of your teeth you can count on them agreeing that reducing the amount of sugar you eat would be a good thing. But why is that? While most people know sugar and teeth is a bad mix, they don’t understand the details. Read on to find out and then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to get that sugar cleaned off your teeth.

Sugar increases plaque

The biggest issue with consuming too much sugar as far as your teeth are concerned is that sugar is high in carbs. It’s true that carbs aren’t entirely bad, but the type of carb in sugar is the type that creates lots of bacteria in your mouth. The biggest thing you’re trying to do when you practice positive oral health practices is to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. This is because bacteria eventually turns into plaque, and plaque turns into tartar – and tartar is the enemy of healthy teeth and gums.

Sugar increases your chance of cavities

Once plaque builds up on your teeth, your teeth will become weaker. This leads to tooth decay. The more decay you have, and the weaker your teeth are, the higher your chance of cavities is. Remember that cavities start out as tiny holes in your teeth that will fill up with sugar, bacteria, and other debris in your mouth. When you have a cavity, only a dentist can fill it.

Sugar increases tooth decay

As discussed above, sugar can increase cavities but cavities are just one form of tooth decay. Decay occurs anytime bacteria is left in your mouth and it gets the chance to eat the enamel of your teeth. After enamel gets eroded, it’s difficult to build back. The results of tooth decay can include infections, sensitivity, and, in the worst-case scenario, tooth loss.

Sugar increases chances of gum disease

Most people in the United States will end up with some form of gum disease over their lifetime. High sugar consumption is just one reason for it. As is true of just about all oral health issues, gum disease is caused when excessive bacteria builds up in the mouth. This causes plaque to form, which results in irritation to the gums.

As you can see, these are quite a few issues that can be caused by too much sugar. If you eat sugar on a regular basis then cutting down can do wonders for improving your oral health. Just remember you still need to reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 for cleanings every six months.