We all know that sugar is bad for us. What we don’t often think about is how bad is sugar for your teeth? Sugar and your dental health are very closely related. What is even more unknown is that the damage sugar does to your teeth is also closely related to problems throughout your body. This correlation is why a dentist will often tell someone to make an appointment with their family doctor after an exam. The same plaque that damages teeth is what clogs arteries going into your heart. Today, however, we are going to focus on what sugar and dental health have in common and how Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch can help.
Sugar and Teeth
Sugar and your dental health are not friends. The most obvious concern is for your teeth. The sugar itself doesn’t do the damage. What happens when you eat something with sugar is that your saliva becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria clings to your teeth and starts eating away at the enamel. When left there, it turns to plaque that causes your teeth to decay. This decay shows itself in cavities. Once you get cavities, the only solution is to visit a dentist for dental fillings and sealants. If the decay is too extensive, you may end up losing your tooth. Cavities aren’t the only concern with sugar and your dental health. Over time your gums can also be adversely affected.
Sugar and Your Gums
Once bacteria starts to erode the enamel on your teeth, it continues to your gums. The plaque can cause your gums to bleed and swell. You may experience sores or tenderness in your gums. In time, this gum disease turns to periodontal disease and the need for periodontics. This disease often leads to you losing teeth because the disease attacks not only your gums but also the bone beneath your gums. All of this can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and can loosen the bone that holds your teeth in place. Teeth may begin to shift, and you will need to have them straightened to prevent even greater damage. The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can travel throughout your body and damage such organs as your lungs, liver, and kidneys. It can also damage connecting tissues and joints near the area. This can create damage to your jaws and ears.
Preventing Damage
One of the biggest things you can do to eliminate the negative effects of sugar and your dental health is to limit the amount of sugar you eat. Make sure you maintain a schedule of regularly brushing your teeth and flossing. This is especially important after eating or drinking anything that has sugar in it. Make sure you take your time to make sure you cover all the surface areas of your teeth and get all the debris from between them. You can also make teeth cleaning appointments twice a year to have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined for the beginning of any deterioration. Often a dentist can catch this wearing away of enamel before it has resulted in a cavity. This needs to be done early on, however.
Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch
Here at Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch, your dental health is our top priority. Reach out and call us today at 713-244-7799 to set up an appointment for a tooth cleaning and exam. Take time to express any concerns about sugar and your dental health or any other dental health concerns. We can help you regain the smile you may have lost over the years. Your smile is what we love the most.
