Have you ever had a sour taste in your mouth after eating sweets? Dentists have warned us about sugar being bad for our teeth for years, but health advice can seem to change often. You might wonder if the same goes for sugar and how it affects our teeth. Unfortunately, Dr. Reichley has to tell you the truth: sugar really is harmful to your smile!
How Sugar Hurts Your Teeth
Dentists warn about sugar for a reason—it damages tooth enamel. Every time we eat, some residue stays on our teeth, attracting bacteria that feed on it. This sticky film is called plaque. The only way to remove it is by brushing your teeth. If you don’t, plaque eats away at your enamel and causes cavities.
Sugar helps these bacteria grow quickly. While sugar itself doesn’t cause decay, it makes it easier for bacteria to weaken enamel and create cavities.
Sugar is Everywhere
Almost all foods contain some sugar, even healthy ones like fruits and vegetables. But the main problem is the hidden sugar in processed foods we eat every day. No matter where it comes from, sugar can lead to tooth decay if not managed. Sugar itself isn’t evil, but too much of it can harm your teeth.
How to Protect Your Teeth
Cutting sugar from your diet completely isn’t realistic—dentists eat sugar too! A good first step is to choose natural sugars, like those in fruits and vegetables, instead of processed foods. This reduces the amount of sugar in your mouth and is better for your overall health.
Brushing and flossing regularly is the easiest way to remove plaque. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit Dr. Reichley for regular check-ups. He can find any dental problems early, especially if you notice a sour or bitter taste after eating sweets. He’ll also give advice on preventing this from happening in the future.
To keep plaque and decay under control, call (757) 264-6361 or schedule a consultation online at Coastal Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry.