What Your Dentist Wants You to Know About the Effects of Sweets on Your Teeth
You heard the warnings from everyone as a kid. Your mom and family dentist both gave you lectures about eating sugary foods. They told you sweets rot your teeth and ruin your hygiene. But is this really true? Are candy and other confections something to avoid at all costs? While sugar isn’t directly responsible for problems in your mouth, it does contribute. Westland Family & Cosmetic Dentistry wants everyone to have a healthy smile and a dentist who cares. We hope the information below will help.
The Bacteria Living in Your Mouth Use Sugar to Create Acid
Believe it or not, you have bacteria living in your mouth right now. These bacteria produce a sticky substance called plaque. When you consume sugar, the plaque breaks the sugar down into acid. This acid then eats away at the protective enamel coating on your teeth. This leads to serious issues.
Consuming Anything Hot or Cold Makes Your Teeth Hurt
Enjoying a meal becomes difficult when you have damaged enamel. If you try to sample a dish of your favorite ice cream, the cold may make you uncomfortable. Hot bowls of soup or coffee may also be hard to ingest. A good dentist can tell you what to do to prevent this from happening.
Fight Back By Limiting Your Sugar Intake and Seeing a Dentist Regularly
You don’t have to give up sugary foods completely – just limit your intake. For example, you don’t need a can of soda with every meal. Make sure you see a family dentist on a regular basis for a professional cleaning. If you have a cavity, the dentist will be able to help you prevent further harm.
Do you ever tell yourself “I need to find a good dentist near me”? Make an appointment with Westland Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and learn more about the effects of sugar today.