How does sugar affect your teeth? If you're asking yourself this question, make sure you keep reading below to learn more!

Sugar Can Cause Tooth Decay

The dissolving effects of certain acids in sugary foods can cause your teeth to slowly decay. To fight this, it is helpful to cut down on the sugar that you are eating and drinking, while increasing your oral hygiene habits. Try using mouthwash after you consume sugary products, brush your teeth at least twice a day, and give them a good flossing.

People consume significant amounts of sugar in their beverage choices. These may include sodas, juices, or sweetened iced coffees.

While it is okay to enjoy these sugary beverages occasionally, think again before grabbing that third coke! Mixing in water to your drinks is a good way to limit sugar and rinse away previous sweet drinks. 

How Does Sugar Cause a Cavity?

While many people realize that too much sugar can result in painful cavities, they do not understand how it happens. It is a myth that only children can get cavities- it is something that may occur at any point in one's life. 

When you eat or drink sugar, it begins interacting with the plaque on your teeth and forms a type of acid. This acid wears away your teeth and slowly creates cavities. The sugar itself is not the issue, but the result of the sugar with the bacteria in your mouth. 



Of course, it is unrealistic to stop consuming sugar completely. Just remember, everything is in moderation! After having something with a lot of sugar, try to wash it down with a tall glass of water. 

What Kinds of Food Have Sugar?

Learning about sugar and its relationship with teeth is a great first step to promoting better oral health. More foods than you imagine contain sugar- even those that are natural. 

Healthy items like fruits, vegetables, and honey have natural sugar. This does not mean to refrain from eating them, but to limit your intake and brush your teeth well after consuming. 

Of course, the expected culprits such as candy, cookies, and ice cream also have sugar. Having good dental care can help protect your tooth enamel and prevent cavities, all while enjoying these snacks in moderation. 



The dentists at Complete Health Dentistry would love to partner with you and help you to achieve the smile of your dreams. They will take the time to understand your specific needs, and how they can help. Learn how seeing a dentist regularly can save you money in the long run.

Effects of Sugar In Drinks

Regularly consuming sugary drinks can be more harmful to your teeth than eating foods with high sugar content. A lot of these drinks have a high level of acidity, which wears away at the tooth's enamel in addition to the sugar. High fructose corn syrup is another common ingredient in drinks like soda, which is hard on the mouth. 



As a rule of thumb, try to keep your sugary drink intake to one a day. Drinking out of a straw can help to prevent things like iced coffee and darker sodas from staining your teeth. Consuming 8 glasses of water each day keeps you hydrated and can help wash away the sugary film left behind. 

Good Oral Hygiene Tips

So, besides limiting the daily sugar intake, what can you do to ensure a healthy smile? The best thing is to be proactive!

Find a dentist that you can trust with your oral health needs. Going for checkups twice a year can ensure that you are treating anything that looks off before it becomes out of hand. The team at Complete Health Dentistry may be a great fit for your dental needs. 

Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, and avoid going to bed without doing so. Leaving food debris on them overnight can be a sure way to harm tooth enamel. 

Next, make sure that you brush properly for a full two minutes. Get your top and bottom rows, front and back, extending back to your molars. And don't forget to give your tongue a little brush!

Remember to floss once a day. This is just as important as brushing because particles are often stuck between teeth that cannot be brushed away. Bringing mouthwash into your daily routine is another good method to get that total-clean feel. 



Finally, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. Quality models can be found for as low as $30, and give a much deeper and more thorough clean. Your mouth will thank you for giving it this great cleaning treatment. 

Here's to a Cleaner Mouth!