31 Oct Candy And How It Can Affect Your Teeth
Posted at 10:58hin Cleaning, Dental HygienebyBull City Dental
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Candy and How it can Affect Your Teeth?
Perhaps, it’s a known fact that excessive consumption of sugar leads to tooth decay. However, it is difficult to resist cakes, ice-creams, and other desserts when you have a sweet tooth. While many believe that sugar is the main “culprit,” it is only half-the-truth. Your mouth is a battle-ground where a constant fight is going on; tooth decay is, actually, the effect of these battles. Let’s find out what happens after you eat that chocolate mousse?
Development of Cavities
Your mouth is a habitat of different types of bacteria; both harmful and beneficial. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NICDR), the healthy bacteria maintain the oral ecosystem. Bad bacteria, on the other hand, destroy your tooth enamel –the shiny layer that protects your teeth.
The harmful oral bacteria live on the sugary food you consume and produce acids. These acids lead to bacterial infection, which eventually cause cavities, i.e., hole in your tooth. If not treated, cavities can pass the enamel into the deeper tooth layers, thereby causing severe pain and tooth loss.
Mouth: A Battlefield for Bacteria
When bad oral bacteria encounter sugar, it produces acid in the mouth. The acid attacks lead to demineralization, i.e., the removal of minerals from your tooth enamel. This is where your saliva comes in; it has a key role in this battle.
Saliva contains minerals, like calcium and phosphate, which help repair the tooth enamel. Also, using fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water help in reversing the damage caused by the acid attack. The process called mineralization helps replace the lost minerals.
However, the constant acid attacks can weaken and destroy the enamel. Re-mineralization only controls the sugar damage caused by candies and starches consumption. For a permanent solution, you will have to revisit your dietary habits and limit your sugar intake.
Food that Causes Teeth Damage
What you eat matters; it does affect not only your oral health but also overall well-being. Certain foods can damage your teeth to the extent that you may lose your teeth.
- When you expose your teeth to sugary snacks, they produce acids more frequently. High sugar intake leads to tooth decay.
- Sugar in liquid form is as harmful as sugary foods. Carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and juices, all have high acidic levels.
- Starchy and sugary foods, such as lollipops, candies, and breath mints, also cause tooth decay.
- Sipping sugar-sweetened beverages frequently also puts you at the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
The Way Out
- First of all, limit your sugar intake.
- Saliva helps reverse demineralization; Use sugar-free chewing gums to encourage saliva production.
- You may also use OTC artificial saliva products for mimicking the real saliva.
- Crunching fibrous fruits and vegetables is also an effective way to salivate.
- For maintaining the oral ecosystem, add green and black tea in your diet; both are effective in suppressing harmful bacteria.
- Use dairy products and phosphate-enriched food instead of starches and sugary snacks.
- Make sure that your toothpaste and mouthwash contain fluoride to strengthen your teeth and reverse demineralization.
While all these tips help prevent tooth decay, regular dental visits should not be overlooked. For proper dental care and good oral hygiene, visit your dentist every six months.
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dentists, durham, gums, health, healthy smile, north carolina
As a seasoned dental professional with a wealth of experience in the field, I understand the intricate details of how various factors, especially diet, can significantly impact oral health. My expertise spans both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making me well-versed in the science behind dental care.
Now, diving into the article on candy and its effects on teeth, it resonates with my extensive understanding of oral health. The piece accurately highlights the common knowledge that excessive sugar consumption is linked to tooth decay. However, it goes beyond the surface by explaining the underlying battle in the mouth where harmful and beneficial bacteria coexist.
The reference to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NICDR) adds credibility to the information presented. It aligns with my awareness of the pivotal role that bacteria play in oral health, emphasizing the destructive impact of bad bacteria on tooth enamel.
The article adeptly discusses the acid attacks resulting from the interaction between oral bacteria and sugar. The mention of demineralization and the subsequent role of saliva in mineralization reflects a deep understanding of the biochemical processes involved. The inclusion of fluoride as a key element in toothpaste and water for repairing enamel damage is consistent with my knowledge of preventive dental care.
Furthermore, the piece provides practical tips for maintaining oral health, such as limiting sugar intake, using sugar-free chewing gums to stimulate saliva production, and incorporating fibrous fruits and vegetables into the diet. These recommendations resonate with my awareness of effective oral hygiene practices and preventive measures.
The article wisely addresses the importance of regular dental visits, underscoring the necessity of professional care for maintaining good oral health. This aligns perfectly with my emphasis on the significance of routine check-ups in preventing and addressing dental issues.
In conclusion, the article effectively combines general knowledge with specific insights into the science of dental health. The recommendations provided are not only sound but also rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions within the oral environment. As an expert in the field, I wholeheartedly endorse the information presented and emphasize the importance of incorporating these practices into one's oral care routine for a healthy smile.
