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The Effects of Sugar on Oral Health

Tooth decay occurs when acid in your mouth erodes enamel on your teeth. This acid is produced when bacteria on your teeth feed on sugar for energy. The acid is responsible for the decay, but sugar is a huge catalyst. And the more sugar you eat, the more likely you are to experience poor oral health. Cavities, rotten teeth, tooth loss, and gum disease such as gingivitis can occur when your teeth are continuously exposed to sugar. Reducing your sugar consumption is a wise idea.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid
The best way to reduce your sugar consumption is by avoiding certain foods and drinks. It’s impossible to completely eliminate sugar from your diet. But if you want to help your teeth, avoid the following items:

1. Soft Drinks. Drinking a carbonated soda is almost like rinsing your mouth with liquid sugar. One 16-OZ soda can contain up to 58 grams of sugar. So each time you take a sip, you’re exposing your teeth to sugar.

2. Potato Chips. Potato chips contain a load of starch and the starch gets converted into sugar.

3. Sticky Candies. Sticky candy is usually chewy, and it clings to your teeth long after you’ve taken the last bite. This is an open invitation to tooth decay.

What to Do After Eating a Lot of SugarYou will encounter situations in which you consume a lot of sugar. Maybe it’s Halloween, and you just want to eat your candy in peace. Or perhaps you’re watching a movie, and want to enjoy a cold soda and bag of potato chips. After you’re done eating, drink a glass of water to wash away food particles and bacteria that can harm your teeth. And of course, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is a great way to keep them healthy.

GT Dental in Toronto ready to provide the dental care you need. Contact us to discuss your dental health today.

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