When it comes to oral health, sugar is often seen as the villain behind the scenes. But is it really the reason behind these teeth problems? Or is it being falsely blamed for the damage it did not cause? In this blog, we’ll discover some shocking new information you probably did not know about sugar and what it can do to our pristine oral health.
From hidden sugars in foods we regularly consume to surprising ways these sugars can affect your dental health, we’ll try to uncover lesser-known facts that might just change the way you think about sugar and your oral care routine.
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Hidden Sugars in Everyday Foods
Hidden sugars refer to those sneaky additions of sugar into foods and drinks where it’s least expected. Unfortunately, this practice is widespread, affecting everything from ready meals and snacks to various beverages. Many companies tend not to label these additives in an obvious way. Instead, they disguise them with other scientific names like glucose or dextrose that not everyone would be able to connect to sugar. For instance, common everyday items such as bread, sauces, dressings, canned soups, and fruit juices frequently contain significant amounts of sugar as a main ingredient, making them some of the biggest culprits of high sugar content.
The Science Behind Tooth Decay
Scientifically speaking, sugar itself does not cause any damage to the teeth whatsoever. The bacteria in our mouth is, in fact, the real culprit you’re looking after. You heard that right: your mouth is full of all different kinds of bacteria; some are useful, and some are not. For you to preserve your oral health at an optimal state, you’ll need to maintain the balance between these two varieties of bacteria within your mouth. Back to the main idea, sugar is considered to be the primary source of nutrition for these bacteria.
You’re probably thinking, “That’s great!” right? Well, unfortunately, that’s not the case. After bacteria metabolize the sugars, they produce acids within your mouth as a byproduct. These acids are the ones that pose the real threat to your oral health. High acidity within the mouth causes something we call “acid attacks.” With repetitive acid attacks, demineralization starts occurring, which is when minerals, primarily calcium and phosphate, are dissolved from the tooth enamel. This weakens teeth significantly and makes them more susceptible to decay and cavities.
Sugar’s Impact Beyond Cavities
Since we have established the fact that consuming sugar without addressing the build-up of acidity fosters harmful bacteria, let’s cover the most common potential issues that this can cause to our oral health.
1- Bad Breath
Acidic sulfur compounds left by the bacteria in your mouth have a very unpleasant odor that contributes to bad breath. Additionally, consuming large amounts of sugar can dehydrate the mouth, reducing saliva levels and production. Since saliva is vital to washing away food particles, reduced saliva levels contribute much to foul mouth smells.
2- Tooth Decay
As we have mentioned before, with frequent acid attacks, the protective layer of the tooth will start to fall apart. This enables cavities to form, paving the road to tooth decay that is able to eat out the tooth entirely if not treated in time.
3- Gum Disease
Acids left by sugar can also irritate the gums, leading to inflammation if not properly managed. These inflammations can progress to gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and eventually periodontitis (advanced gum disease). In severe periodontitis cases, inflammation can spread to the bone supporting the teeth. As the bone deteriorates, the teeth will lose their stable foundation and may become loose, requiring medical intervention to fix. In some cases, the dentist would be left with no choice other than to remove the tooth.
Preventive Measures and Tips
While reducing sugar intake is ideal, it can feel daunting for some. Good oral hygiene practices like brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once, and using mouthwash become prominent. Don’t forget regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, as they are also essential for maintaining optimal oral health for years to come.
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