Is Sugar The Enemy Of Your Oral Health?
Halloween is a time when candy and other sweet treats are available in abundance. One ingredient that many of the foods we consume during this holiday have in common is sugar. Enjoying these types of foods is fine in moderation; however, it can be easy to overindulge, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Foods with a high sugar content can lead to serious complications with your oral health, such as:
Increase in Plaque Development
Each time you eat, there is a certain amount of food and bacteria that linger on your teeth. This is especially true with sugary foods. Sugar sticks to teeth like glue, eventually turning into plaque. High levels of plaque lead to gum disease. To eliminate plaque, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly, especially after eating sugary foods.
Problems with Tooth Decay
When plaque develops and lingers on your teeth, aside from gum disease, tooth decay can develop. Tooth decay occurs when the plaque and acid on your teeth eat away at the enamel, the outer covering of the tooth. If not treated in a timely fashion, the problem will continue to progress.
Decrease in Saliva Production
Eating sugar causes your blood sugar levels to spike. When blood sugar levels rise, it can cause your saliva levels to decrease. Saliva helps wash away lingering bacteria from the mouth. This is especially important when eating sugary foods. Dry mouth from a lack of saliva can lead to the development of cavities. You can help combat this issue by drinking plenty of water.
If it has been longer than six months since your last hygiene examination, we suggest calling our office located in Wilmington, DE to schedule an appointment. We are also happy to welcome patients from Pike Creek and Newark, DE. If you have a sweet tooth, we can make sure that you are not experiencing any effects that will negatively impact your oral health. We look forward to seeing you soon!
