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Negative Effects of Sugar on Teeth

Sugar can damage teeth by breaking down enamel. Defective enamel can cause cavities and tooth decay. In order to avoid the damage of sugar, there are a few steps you can take to strengthen your teeth. 

Effects of Sugar on Your Teeth
When you eat a sugary snack or beverage, bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars. The bacteria forms into plaque, a substance that sticks to teeth. This plaque eats away at your teeth and creates holes called cavities. If cavities go untreated, they can lead to tooth loss or other oral health problems.

Brushing teeth twice daily removes plaque from the surface of teeth. Flossing daily can remove foods caught between your teeth. Specialists at a GT Dental in Toronto can provide you with a specialized plan for improving your oral health.

Foods High in Sugar

Candy and soda have a high sugar content. Candy should be eaten sparingly, and replacing soda with plain water is a good way to reduce your sugar intake. While most people are aware that sugar damages teeth, many are unaware that acidic foods can also cause tooth decay. Citrus foods, such as lemons and strawberries, contain acid that damages enamel.

Other Foods to Beware Of
Unless you brush carefully, it is difficult to remove sticky foods from teeth. These stuck-on foods, such as dried fruit, can cause decay. Consuming large amounts of alcohol over time also damages your teeth. Drinking excessively dries out your mouth, which can lead to oral infections and tooth decay.

How to Improve Your Teeth
Brushing daily and limiting sugar intake are essential to maintain and improve oral health. However, it is also a good idea to visit your dentist twice yearly. Dental professionals can perform an oral exam and check for tooth decay and other oral health problems. If problems exist, a professional can treat problems before they worsen.

Be sure to brush and floss daily and limit your intact of sugary foods, sticky foods, acidic foods and alcohol. If its time to have a dental checkup visit GT Dental in Toronto, contact us today to book and appointment. 

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