Articles that we see in the newspaper or social media always give new information on how dangerous sugar is. We are all aware of the adverse effects that sugar can have on our health, but did you realize that it also harms your teeth? You might want to check how much sugar you consume every day.
Sugar leads to tooth decay and other oral health issues. Fake granulated sugar can be the most damaging. Sugar leaves a sticky coating on your teeth that your saliva can’t eliminate. The only ways of getting rid of dental plaque are daily brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and dental cleanings.
Most of the food that we see and buy at the supermarket contains sugar. Sugar makes our food and drinks tempting and delicious. Who doesn’t love Krispy Kreme? Well, I do! Kidding! On a serious note, it’s essential to know why you should avoid consuming too much sugar, most especially when it comes to your oral health. Keep on reading as I take you to the several factors on why we should limit our sugar intake.
How Sugar Causes Dental Decay?
Consuming sugary food products can entice bacteria to form a plaque that eventually turns into cavities and results in dental decay. Acid is formed by the harmful bacteria in your mouth, which sparks damage to your teeth over time. Regular consumption of uncontrolled amounts of sugar keeps the acid level higher. Also, it significantly decreases your tooth decay resistance. This habit, if allowed repeatedly, will cause more significant problems in the future. The excessive amount of acid in your teeth will cause your enamel to weaken due to the loss of minerals and lead to dental decay. If tooth decay is left untreated, it will damage the enamel in your teeth. This will cause you unbearable pain and discomfort. Teeth loss will also happen if you ignore tooth decay.
Most people love sweets. In Asian countries, people love to eat lots of rice which we know contains starch. Starch, just like sugar, is a type of carbohydrate. It is composed of small molecules of glucose, or as many people know as sugar. So make it a habit to always brush your teeth every meal, especially after enjoying a sugary food product. As much as possible, avoid overeating food that has high amounts of sugar. Instead, eat fresh food and healthy vegetables to help strengthen your teeth. A regular dental visit will help ensure your overall dental health. So make an appointment right away, and get a quote on dental insurance if you need it.
How Decreasing Sugar Intake Helps Your Health
By being conscious of your diet. Meaning you will limit your sugar intake. There are numerous ways for you to improve your health. Every food and drink we consume has a sugar content, so it is challenging to make adjustments. But here’s the thing: when you cut out sugar in your diet, it will help you decrease tooth decay and promote your body’s overall wellness. You can avoid sugar-related diseases like Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), heart failure, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease. According to American Heart Association, American adults consume an average of 77 grams of sugar per day, more than three times the recommended amount for women. The figures for children are even more alarming. American children’s average daily sugar intake is 81 grams, equating to over 65 pounds per year. Imagine how much sugar is that in a year! Men should limit their daily intake of sugar to 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories).
On the other hand, the daily calorie consumption for women is lower than men. It is only six teaspoons or (25 grams or 100 calories) per day. Just think about how much sugar is in a 12-ounce can of soda. It has eight teaspoons or equivalent to 32 grams. That one slurp is enough for your sugar allotment for the day.
Are “Sugar-Free” Products Safe for Your Teeth?
Unsweetened, no-added-sugar products are not safe for your teeth. These so-called “sugar-free” items like sugar-free gums, candies, and drinks have low sugar content but still can be damaging to your teeth. The artificial sweetener found in products can weaken the enamel on your teeth. Fruit-flavored items have a higher level of acidity, while mint and chocolate candies have a lower level. Avoiding foods and drinks with fruit or sour flavors reduces your risk of tooth deterioration. Hard sweets that are gummy, sticky, or take a long time to dissolve are best avoided. Many of these substances can remain in your teeth for an extended period, slowly eroding the enamel and exposing the nerves. Sugar-free drinks and foods may help to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay, but they may open you to a new dental health risk.
Advertisements play a vital role in promoting health to the viewers, but they may also give people wrong information, particularly when cutting out sugar in people’s diet. Different big companies who sell candies, sweet gummy pops, and sodas purposely put wrong labels on their products to let people believe that the item is no-added-sugar where it is full of sugar. It’s their marketing plan, I guess. Anyway, the most important thing to remember is to have a balanced diet. Always eat healthy fresh food. Eating cheese and dairy products is good too. Just not too much. Fresh fruits are usually a healthy snack choice. If you love sweet food, always remember to choose food products that contain less sugar. It is also a good habit to change your toothbrush every three to four months. Getting new toothbrushes can effectively remove bacteria in your teeth because the bristles are fresh and functional. Lastly, visit your dentist for a routine examination. These steps, if followed, will contribute to healthy and cavity-free teeth. The information above is quite hard to absorb and apply in everyday life. But, if you think about the benefits you can get, I think it is worth it.
