Most people like the odd sweet. After all, a sugary treat tastes good and makes you feel better about life. But, whether you’re talking bout a single sweet, your dessert, or almost any other type of processed food, they all have one thing in common – sugar content.
It’s the sugar in sweets and treats that you need to be concerned about and the reason that you need to start booking regular visits to a holistic dentist.
The Effect Of Sugar on Your Teeth
Sugar is a necessary nutrient as it helps to give you energy throughout the day. However, when you eat sugar it reacts with the bacteria that are already present in your mouth. This reaction creates acid which then attacks the enamel on your teeth.
Over time the enamel will be worn down and your teeth will start to look yellow. The yellowness is the dentin under your enamel. This is softer and an easier target for acid and bacteria.
If left untreated the bacteria will then be able to move through the dentin and into the root of your tooth. This causes cavities and possibly infection. When caught early the damage to your tooth can be filled.
If it’s left the damage will become worse and you are likely to need root canal or may even lose your tooth. In extreme cases, an abscess can form in your jawline and create further issues.
You Can Still Eat Sweets!
Knowing that the sugar in sweets can damage your teeth may be enough to stop you from eating sweets. However, there is sugar in all sorts of processed foods. You don’t need to give them all up.
But, you do need to consider moderation. Sweets are best consumed at mealtimes and anything in-between should be sugar-free, try gum instead of sweets.
After eating drink water and swish it around the inside of your mouth. This helps to neutralize the acids in your mouth.
Of course, it also helps to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss regularly. Alongside this, maintain your regular dental check-ups. This will ensure any issues are highlighted before they become serious.
You should always wait thirty minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. Doing it too soon can brush the acid into your teeth, causing more damage.
Other Health Concerns
Sweets and sugar aren’t just bad for your teeth. Consuming too many sweets means you’ll have a higher likelihood of obesity. That means you will be at a higher risk of an array of age-related diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
It should be noted that it is difficult to reduce your sugar intake. Sugar is addictive, you’ll need to reduce intake slowly in order to successfully create the right balance. It’s this addiction that drives the need to eat more sugar soon after eating some. Sugar causes your blood sugar levels to spike and makes you feel good, as blood sugar level drops you’ll start to feel worse and will crave more sugar.
It’s a vicious cycle that isn’t good for your health or your teeth.