A General Dentist Explains the Possible Health Concerns of Sugar

A General Dentist Explains the Possible Health Concerns of Sugar from 3D Dental Care in Alexandria, VAAlthough practitioners of general dentistry talk about the harmful effects of sugar all the time, we all continue to consume it. This could be due to addiction or a lack of self-control. Sugar has many negative impacts on general health, but it also has a variety of repercussions on the teeth and gums. Since your oral health is linked to your entire body's health, it is vital to do all you can to maintain it.

Sugar alters the acidity of the mouth

Many people do not know that sugar has an impact on the mouth's PH balance. Natural saliva is acidic, and when coupled with frequent teeth brushing, it may help maintain a low pH level, which is ideal for tooth and gum health. When people eat sugar, the saliva reacts with it and starts to disintegrate it.

When the bacteria in saliva combine with the sugar, they produce acid, which raises the pH level. This imbalance may cause the mouth to become more acidic. Acid levels may stay high for up to twenty minutes, during which time the acid starts to eat away at the teeth enamel, causing dental cavities.

Bacteria growth

The swarms of microscopic bacteria that cause gum issues like gingivitis and, in turn, receding gums and the need for costly treatments to heal the damage are attracted to the destructive acids produced when consuming sugary foods and beverages. Since most people cannot completely get rid of sugar, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and go to the general dentistry office for regular dental exams.

The sugar effects

Sugar is available in different forms, the most common of which is solid sugar crystals found in foods, gum, and sweets. These non-liquid sugars are dangerous because they leave a sticky film on the teeth that is hard for saliva to clean. The highly concentrated and processed form of the components present in many popular processed meals exacerbates the adverse effects of sugars.

How to prevent sugar damage to the teeth

Practicing good dental hygiene and consuming sugary meals in moderation are two simple methods to protect teeth against sugar. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is one way to protect the teeth from plaque. Individuals need to note that brushing right after eating sugar is not the most excellent idea.

Sugar affects teeth for longer than the initial contact, softening enamel for up to an hour after consumption. As a result, it may be advisable to drink water as quickly as possible to flush the sugar from the mouth. It is advisable to wait for a while before brushing and flossing.

Sugars are different, and certain types are more harmful than others. Avoiding sticky sweet meals and drinks (such as sodas and energy drinks) with high levels of sugars and acids is essential for protecting the teeth.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Alexandria, VA

Final note

The best approach to protect your teeth from the effects of sugar is to see the general dentist regularly for a teeth cleaning, which removes plaque, tartar, and food debris from the mouth. Contact the general dentistry office to book an appointment.

Request an appointment or call 3D Dental Care at 703-922-8440 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

Recent Posts

Common General Dentistry Treatments For Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is often the result of exposure to the underlying layers of teeth or the tooth’s root. General dentistry practices offer restorative treatment to deal with sensitive teeth. This article discusses the different types of treatments available to patients with sensitive teeth.Sensitive teeth can be treated in various ways. The recommended treatment depends on…

General Dentistry: Are Dental X-rays Recommended?

General dentistry allows people to seek dental treatments from someone who knows them well. It is important to give an accurate diagnosis. This is possible with the use of dental X-rays. If you want to know if dental X-rays are advisable in general dentistry, here are the details.Decades ago, a dental X-ray was a long…

General Dentistry: Can Dental Veneers Help Restore Your Teeth?

General dentistry helps to keep your mouth healthy with preventative treatments like teeth cleanings. It addresses issues that develop in your mouth. Regardless of how well a person takes care of their teeth, they might become damaged or discolored due to factors like trauma to the face or taking medication like tetracycline antibiotics.Veneers are one…

Recent Posts

The Benefits Of Regular General Dentist Visits

The Benefits Of Regular General Dentist Visits

Visiting a general dentist regularly can have a tremendous impact on the health and appearance of teeth. While carving out time in a schedule every six months for a dentist appointment can seem inconvenient, there are several reasons to set aside an hour or two twice a year for these visits.Dental professionals use specialized tools…

What To Ask Your General Dentist When Preparing For A Crown

What To Ask Your General Dentist When Preparing For A Crown

If a general dentist recommends a dental crown, there are a variety of reasons why. Crowns can be used for cosmetic corrections as well as for protection and support. These dental restorations may seem intimidating to those who have never had one, but they do not have to be. Here are some questions to ask…