How Sugar Affects Your Oral Health

Dec 14, 2020

With the holiday season in full range, taking care of the harmful effects sugar has on your teeth is probably important to you. Sugar can become addictive although we know its harmful effects on the body. Our dental clinic in Richmond Hill can help you understand exactly how sugar affects your oral health, let's review a few factors below:

Sugar Creates Acidity
Sugar affects the pH balance of your mouth. A low pH level is optimal for your tooth and gum health. Since saliva is acidic, when mixed with sugar it creates an imbalance that can leave elevated levels of pH for 20 minutes or longer. During this period, the acid eats your tooth enamel which leads to cavities. Our dental clinic in Richmond Hill recommends rinsing your mouth after eating sugary treats. 

Bacteria Loves Sugar
Sugar creates a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to gum disease. Besides your regular cleaning routine, also schedule regular dental checkups at our dental clinic in Richmond Hill to ensure your mouth is free from harmful bacteria.

Long-Term Dietary Habits Cause Oral Disease
When you habitually consume sugar, you expose your mouth to the acidic environment sugar creates and you're feeding bacteria. However, you are also weakening the rest of your body, which in turn will not allow your immune system to fight disease and infections as easily. Long-term consumption leads to chronic deficiencies that are much harder to correct and lead to much more serious consequences to your oral and overall health.

How Can I Protect My Oral Health From Sugar This Holiday Season and Beyond?
Most people think they will never be able to eat anything sweet, but that's far from the truth. You must focus on whole foods that are naturally sweet such as fruits, dates, and other foods with natural sugars. The type of sugar that is devastating to your health is process, refined, bleached sugar. Also, processed foods such as those high in fructose corn syrup. People find alternatives during the holiday season and throughout the rest of the year by consuming items made naturally such as desserts made with dates. Also, instead of sugary drinks or cocktails, try to stick to natural fruit juices.

Another tip is to immediately rinse out your mouth to wash out the sugar left in your mouth instead of letting sit in your mouth. There are natural alternatives to your favourite foods and drinks, it takes a little bit of research, but you'll be able to find great-tasting things that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Schedule a checkup with our dental clinic in Richmond Hill to learn more about your oral health and how you can improve it. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

Go back