Why is Sugar Bad for Your Oral Health

Our parents used to prevent us from having a lot of sugary foods. We have all heard our childhood dentists saying to cut down on sugary foods and beverages. What is so wrong about having sugary foods? The biggest reason is that sugar has a direct impact on our oral health. Let’s dive deeper and see how sugar items can affect oral health.

Decays

After eating foods that contain sugar, these molecules combine with saliva and bacteria present in the mouth. This combination leads to plaque formation on teeth. When this yellowish and sticky film of plaque isn’t cleaned with proper oral hygiene methods, it affects your oral health. The bacteria in plaque are the major cause of decays and cavities.

Tooth Sensitivity

Plaque is nothing but a powerhouse of bacteria. These bacteria release acids that break down the structure of your tooth. The outermost hard layer of the teeth called tooth enamel is the first thing to break down. When the enamel depletes, it results in the exposure of the underlying structure. The core of the teeth or dentin appears. When this part is exposed, you may feel intense pain and discomfort whenever you eat or drink something hot or cold. This is because extreme temperatures cause a shock to the nerve endings and vessels in the dentin.

Gum Diseases

When plaque isn’t cleaned, it hardens into tartar. When this tough layer reaches along the gumline, it starts destructing the gum tissues as well. The acids released by bacteria can affect overall gum health, thus leading to gum diseases. If not treated in time, the basic gum disease (gingivitis) can advance into severe stages (periodontitis). Reversing the damaged caused during periodontitis is nearly impossible with simple measures and medication.

The bacteria associated with periodontitis can travel throughout the body, invading joints, connective tissue, and organs such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs.

The best way to avoid these oral health issues is cutting down on the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume. If you are already experiencing some oral health issue, visit your dentist immediately to find the best solution for the same. It’s better to get the right treatment in time rather than waiting until issues become major problems.