Sharing is caring! Since the beginning of the New Year, you resolved to cut out sugar as a way to lose weight and get your health in order. But try as you might, the office donuts every Thursday, the bitter taste of plain black coffee, and the local ice cream shop have all managed to deter you from your goal.
And, although you expect this to take a toll on your waistline, did you know that all these sweets can negatively impact your smile, too? In this post, learn how to prevent the damage that sugar can do to your teeth from Smile More Dentistry, your premier dentist in Tappan.
Why Is Sugar Bad For My Smile?
Dr. Darren Tong and Dr. Mariliza LaCap like to educate their patients that sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth in many ways. Generally, what happens is the following process:
- When sugar is consumed, oral bacteria feed on the sweet fuel.
- Once the bacteria dines on the sugary treat you enjoyed, it produces acids that eat through your enamel.
- Usually, for a period of about 20 minutes after you eat something sugary, the acid is produced at rapid speed – causing an onslaught of damage in what’s called an “acid attack.”
- Over time, tooth decay, enamel problems, gum disease, and even oral infections can result from sugar intake.
How Can I Limit The Damage Sugar Does To My Smile?
There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of dental problems caused by ingesting sugary foods and beverages, including:
- Limit the amount of sweets you consume, both in foods, as well as beverages like sodas and fruit juices – these basically bathe your teeth in sugar with every sip.
- Check your food and drink labels for hidden sugars.
- Say cheese – this healthy treat is loaded with calcium and helps your saliva naturally remineralize your teeth.
- Limit snacking – remember, how you eat is as important as what you eat.
- Stick to water as your beverage of choice, and try natural sweeteners like stevia instead.
- Be strategic and eat your sweet treats right before you brush and floss.
- Switch out hard candy and caramels with sugarless gum that’s sweetened with xylitol, since this natural sweetener can help prevent cavities.
What Other Info Will Keep My Smile Sweet?
Since your smile is sweet enough on its own and doesn’t need extra sugar, you can help keep your grin healthy and bright with the following slogan:
- 2x2x2 – Brush your teeth gently for two minutes, twice a day, and see our team for professional exams two times a year.
This easy to remember tagline can help you maintain a radiant smile your whole life long.
Now that you know how to keep your smile beautiful and how to prevent the damaging effects of sugar, schedule your appointment with Smile More Dentistry today!