What does sugar do to teeth?

Parents will often warn their children that they should eat fewer sweets as it will cause cavities. Although this is old advice, it rains true as in reality sugar can cause cavities and weaken teeth.

This is mainly because bacteria feed on sugar and the more sugar that stays on your teeth, the easier it is for bacteria to grow. As bacteria multiples it will start destroying the shiny coating which is the enamel, before it moves deeper into the tooth’s dentin and pulp.

Although teeth will always be faced with cavity-causing acids, decay can be reversed by minerals. Minerals like calcium and phosphates will help to strengthen teeth, while fluoride in toothpaste can help repair weakened enamel. Though minerals can assist to reduce tooth damage, they cannot fight against the consumption of excess sugar and poor oral habits.

To improve the quality of your teeth, consider cutting down on sugar and opt to only consume sugar after a main meal. You can also stimulate saliva flow by eating sugar-free chewing gum and by consuming whole foods.

Good oral habits which include brushing teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with a soft-bristle toothbrush and flossing before bed has been shown to improve the quality and appearance of teeth. Scheduling two annual dental visits can help dentists assess the quality of your teeth while cleaning them professionally, removing plaque and tartar that can cause tooth decay.

Dr. Andre Eliasian is one of the leading dentists in cosmetic dentistry in Glendale CA. His clinic offers several services that will help patients achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. If you are looking for oral surgery in Glendale CA or wisdom tooth extraction in Glendale call for an appointment.