You only get one natural set of teeth so it is understandable that you want to protect them. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash are all important things that you can do, but what about the food that you eat? Your food not only spends a lot of time around your teeth, but it can contain some potent elements that can have a strong reaction. Keep reading for all you need to know about how sugar can affect the health of your mouth.

Your Mouth is Home to a Lot of Bacteria

While many types of bacteria that live in your moth are good for your teeth, essential to your oral hygiene, some are, unfortunately, not so good. Some of this bad bacteria can release acid when they come into contact with sugar. This acid can have a negative effect on the enamel of your teeth. Your enamel is a very important element of your teeth. The enamel is the substance that protects against cavities.

Bad Bacteria Thrive

Just as sugar can cause your mouth to become more acidic, it can also make it a place where bacteria loves to grow. Some of this bacteria that loves an acidic environment can lead to gum diseases like gingivitis. Not only can it cause gums to become infected but eventually they will start to recede. This can make it necessary to undergo expensive dental work. Take care of your teeth regularly and get a check-up from a professional to keep on top of this.

Sugary Drinks are Just as Bad

Sugar may be more recognizable in candy, cakes or other solid forms, but the fact is that soda, energy drinks, juices and other sweet drinks are just as bad. These have a large percentage of high fructose corn sugar, or corn syrup. Sweet drinks are even worse for your teeth as their liquid form can fill every tiny cranny in your mouth. This leaves a sticky film on your teeth that breeds bacteria and causes your tooth’s enamel to disintegrate.

Your Food Sits on Your Teeth for Too Long

Foods like hard candies or lollipops are known as “sticky foods”. That means that they are in your mouth for a long time. They do not disintegrate quickly. Holding candies or sweet beverages in your mouth for a long time increases the direct contact of the sugar to your enamel. You are likelier to suffer cavities if this happens.

Protect Your Teeth From Sugar

To keep sugar from damaging your oral hygiene, it is important to have a regular routine to clean your teeth and gums. Talk to your dentist to discover more about hygiene products and develop a list that you can use. Your dentist can also give you helpful tips that will come in handy when you are brushing and flossing. Your oral hygiene is very important.

Dentist in San Marcos Texas

If you are on the hunt for a new dental office in San Marcos, you are in luck! Larry Molenda D.D.S is ready to help. We are no stranger to the issues that sugar can cause for our patients. That is why we are here to help If you are struggling with dental issues. Give us a call or visit our website today!

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