Sugar can be very damaging to your oral health. The most well-known effect of sugar is that it can cause cavities in your teeth. The sugar eats away at the enamel and causes tooth decay. These can be very painful and lead to even more tooth problems. The same acids that cause cavities in your teeth can cause inflammation in your gums, which also harms your oral health. The more sugar you eat and drink, the easier it is for these problems to develop and worsen and the sooner you'll need to visit Your Dental Office in Toronto, or Etobicoke.
Foods to Avoid to Protect Your Oral Health
Any foods and drinks that have high amounts of artificial sugars should be avoided. That includes candy, chocolate, and sugary drinks like juice and soda. You should also try to avoid foods that dry out your mouth, like alcohol, and foods that can easily get stuck in your teeth. Instead, eat fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber as well as healthy dairy (watch out for too much added sugar) and green teas. These foods will help improve your oral health and fight back against damage from bad foods and drinks.
Caring For Your Teeth After Eating Sugar
You may not be able to avoid sugary foods and drinks all the time. That's okay, as long as you're careful about when you consume them and take certain steps afterward. After you eat a lot of sugar, it's a good idea to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth will get the sugar off your teeth and gums so the bacteria won't produce the acid that leads to cavities and inflammation. You may also want to rinse with mouthwash and floss to make sure you get all the sugar from between your teeth, too, since you may not be able to brush hard to reach places thoroughly - which is where a lot of tooth decay starts.
Sugar may taste good when you're eating it, but it can be very bad for your teeth and gums. If you want to learn more about oral health or get an exam to make sure your mouth is healthy, visit Your Dental Office in Toronto, or Etobicoke. Contact us to book an appointment and learn how to have good oral health habits.