The holidays have passed, but the impact of those sugary treats you may have eaten has not. After a holiday, most of us go on and on about its consequences to our waistlines, but our teeth are probably suffering, too. Sugar consumption and poor oral health go hand-in-hand.<\/p>\n
People consume an estimated 130 pounds of sugar per person per year. That isn\u2019t a ton, but it is excessive! Sugar consumption can negatively impact your overall health in the following ways:<\/p>\n
The severity of sugar\u2019s impact on your teeth can vary depending on the amount, type and form of sugar consumed, but the effects remain the same \u2013 cavities. However, the total amounts of sugar you eat have less of an impact on your teeth than how often you consume the sugar.<\/p>\n
Sugar consumed in liquid form, such as sodas or juices, gets into every hard-to-reach nook and cranny in your mouth. Even with regular brushing, those sugars can be difficult to reach encouraging the growth of harmful bacteria.<\/p>\n
Chewing foods laden with sugar can leave larger-than-normal amounts of sugar residue on your teeth. Your saliva will not wash away this residue. And harmful bacteria are invited to wreak havoc on your tooth enamel.<\/p>\n
Unless you brush after eating small amounts of sugar often, eating large amounts not very often is better for your tooth enamel. A 12-oz can of soda is not as harmful to your tooth enamel if you drink all of it in a few minutes versus sipping those 12 ounces over a few hours. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n
Plaque, a sticky substance, is always forming on your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria. The bacteria contained in the plaque feeds on the sugar in foods you eat or drink. Acids are created in about 20 seconds and last for about 30 minutes. Those acids can destroy your tooth enamel over time. Acidic environments promote cavities.<\/p>\n
Severe erosion can lead to issues that go far beyond a cavity. It can lead to:<\/p>\n
Yes, cavities and deeper issues caused by tooth decay can be prevented, but how? Sugar is in almost everything we eat, every day, all year long. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
Go a step farther. Reduce your overall sugar consumption. Incorporate these 6 simple changes daily:<\/p>\n
If sugar consumption has caused tooth decay, tooth loss or other poor oral health issues, don\u2019t wait. Call Westover Hills Family Dental at (210) 774-6432. Ask for a free consultation to discuss your options. Choose to restore your oral health and a great self-image today.<\/p>\n
Sources:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/effects-of-eating-too-much-sugar-2014-3<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2010\/08\/17\/health\/17real.html<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.globalresearch.ca\/sugar-killing-us-sweetly\/5367250<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/oral-health\/tc\/tooth-decay-topic-overview<\/a><\/p>\n