It’s true that sugar can lead to problems for your oral health. However, the idea that sugar is your smile’s main and only enemy is a bit of a myth, when we’re talking about keeping teeth (and gums, of course) safe from problems like tooth decay. So, what’s the truth about sugar and what might you be missing in terms of its role in possible smile damage, oral disease, and how to keep your grin healthy? Fortunately, our Southlake, TX team can give you a streamlined, easy-to-understand explanation that will help you keep teeth in lovely shape.
Sugar Leads To An Acidic Environment
If you place sugar on a tooth, you’re not immediately causing tooth decay. There’s more going on than meets the eye. It’s actually all about the fact that your mouth is rich in bacteria, some of which are considered “bad” because they love carbs and sugar particles (which they turn into acid). As you know, anything acidic that touches your teeth (particularly for prolonged periods of time) yields damage like cavities. So, it’s really what sugar causes when you eat it that you need to consider! It’s an oral health enemy but it’s one you can manage (and it’s not the only one).
Acids In Foods And Drinks? They’re A Problem!
Remember this from our team, in terms of avoiding issues like erosion and cavities: It’s all about the acid level in your mouth. Sugar creates acidity. Eating foods and drinks that you know are acidic? That’s a big problem, too, so simply be careful with the obvious culprits, such as juice, soda, citrus, etc., and keep your smile clean.
Dry Mouth Lowers Your Oral pH, Too
A hidden enemy? Dry mouth! Keep your mouth moist, as a dry mouth is an acidic mouth (which yields oral health problems!).
There Are Solutions!
Of course, the foundation of your smile care is seeing us for dental checkups and cleanings, which let you keep your smile on track, as you learn about everything you could possibly need to know about your grin. Brushing and flossing? Also very important. However, what can you do in the moment, if you eat something sugary or acidic, to minimize possible damage? Fortunately, it’s all about ridding your smile of those substances quickly and neutralizing your oral pH, which means drinking water. Sip it, drink it, swish it, rinse with it. In addition, chewing sugarless gum helps to cleanse teeth, while promoting salivation that also rinses teeth!
Learn More About Smile Myths And Facts
Remember that it’s always best to ask us questions about protecting your smile if you are uncertain about whether you have the details just right or not. Bring up thoughts during checkups for helpful answers! Schedule care with your Southlake, TX dentist today by calling Gregory Wright, DDS at (817) 481-7999. We gladly serve patients from Southlake and surrounding areas.
