Considering how important our teeth are, they are highly underrated. When your adult teeth come in, you have to treat them right! A general physical examination always includes a tooth examination. A decaying tooth indicates that other body parts are not functioning properly.
Most of us do not spend enough time caring for our teeth. Sugar is the primary culprit of untreated dental caries, the most common disease in humans worldwide. Despite its amazing taste, sugar damages teeth. A pediatric dentist Las Vegas warns that eating too much sugar can cause toothaches and cavities.
Everything is sweetened by sugar.
Sugar is widely accepted as damaging to your teeth, so much so that it has become an afterthought. Although we know our teeth are sensitive to sweets, we tend to ignore them. However, now more than ever, we need to be vigilant about sugar. How come? Because it’s everything. Low-fat products are loaded with sugar. The sugar content of every healthy granola bar rivals that of a soda can. Despite being intended to reduce meat consumption, alternative lifestyle foods are made palatable by adding sugar. There are more sugars in food now than ever before. Dentists used to warn patients to avoid sweets and candy in the past. However, this practice has become obsolete. Everything contains sugar nowadays.
Sugar’s Effect on Teeth and Gums
How does sugar harm our teeth and gums? When we aren’t looking, does it cause holes in them? Is sugar more corrosive to our teeth than others? Opportunistic bacteria cause mouth cavities. Sugar residue left after eating sweets is a favourite food of these bacteria. They run to it just as we do. How does it work?
As you eat carbohydrates, an enzyme called salivary amylase breaks them down into simple sugars. These foods are broken down by this enzyme: rice, potatoes, fruit, or candy bars. Further down the line, your stomach and intestines will be more easily able to digest the food.
Bad bacteria on the teeth
In the mouth, food particles sit and eventually turn into sugar. It is sugar that bacteria love. It is their primary food source and the most efficient energy storage method. Although sugar hurts our teeth, it is a feast for all the microscopic party-goers.
Potentially pathogenic bacteria are present among the millions of bacteria that will crowd around the food particle party.
When pathogenic, they can increase sugar sensitivity. It’s more likely that Streptococcus mutans or Streptococcus sobrinus will cause harm. You become more sensitive to pain after eating leftover sweets because they produce acid. These bacteria are called cariogenic bacteria.
Sugar-sensitive people are more likely to suffer from dental acidity.
Corrosive substances such as acid are known to be corrosive. When acid is mentioned in a movie, it’s usually to melt a hole in something. When this acid gets in contact with our teeth, it does exactly that. Sugar causes tooth decay because it produces acid when ingested by tiny creatures. A microscopic groove is left in the tooth. Even if this is tiny, if you repeat that process in the same spot, that groove will become a hole over time. Voila! You wake up at night with a cavity.
Don’t forget; this isn’t a one-time deal. All carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars within minutes by amylase. Those sugar mounds that can make your teeth sensitive can become infected within an hour or two by Streptococcus mutans. When it populates, an entire area tends to be overrun with this bacteria species. The reason cavities appear in certain spots so quickly is because of this. Food gets stuck there most often, and these potentially pathogenic streptococcal species are found where they know there will be food.
Is there anyone susceptible to tooth disease?
Most children do not realise the importance of limiting sugar consumption. Children are among those who are most prone to sensitive teeth due to sugar and sweets. A child’s enamel density is a factor to consider as well. The enamel of primary teeth is thinner than the enamel of permanent teeth. They’re made of the same stuff, mostly hydroxyapatite, but the enamel is closer to the nerves and blood vessels below it. Sugar can hurt these teeth much faster because it takes a long time to dissolve.
Moreover, even earlier colonisation, a mother or primary caregiver can transmit S. mutagens to a baby.
Dental Infections: What to Do
It may seem a bit depressing to read all this information. It doesn’t change the fact that sugar can damage teeth. Taking care of our teeth is something that we can do.
1. Fewer Sweets Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Limiting the amount of sugar we consume should be the first thing we do. There is a huge debate about whether sugar and carbohydrates cause more harm than good. If the problem of tooth decay is present, it is best to avoid giving the mutans streptococci any more fuel than necessary. The less sugar you consume, the less likely you will reach for a sugary snack when hungry. Sugar is a molecule that makes us feel happy. As a result, it is easy to develop a dependency on sugar. Sugar-containing snacks provide a constant source of food for bacteria that can cause damage to your teeth.
2. Brush your teeth frequently
Brushing our teeth frequently is the next thing we should do. It is advisable to brush our teeth twice daily. This is a piece of advice we hear over and over again. We often reach for a cup of coffee to cover up our morning breath, but how often do we do that? And how many times have we fallen asleep watching television? We probably forgot to brush our teeth in those very common scenarios. Brushing your teeth before going to bed and upon waking is a must. Brushing your teeth an hour after eating is recommended for extra protection against cavities. Chewing gum or swishing water before brushing is also recommended.
3. Brush your teeth with dental floss
Flossing is the third thing you should do. Remember that sugar particles are not only found on the surface of your teeth. Sweets can make your teeth sensitive because of their position between your teeth. Most cavities can’t be seen because of their position between your teeth. As a result of food and bacteria buildup from not flossing, they are painful. You’ll avoid much discomfort and pain with just a few seconds of your time.
4. Make an appointment with a dentist
Last but not least, you should see a dentist twice a year. Our urge to brush and floss is often triggered by the knowledge that we didn’t brush or floss enough. We don’t want to know if we will be sensitive to sugar in the future. That’s still no reason not to go to the dentist. There’s nothing to be disappointed about. Doctors should tell you to take better care of your teeth, but they don’t have to. Make an appointment with the kids’ dentist of las vegas, contact 702-454-1008, and have your teeth cleaned. Your entire family will enjoy the experience.
Get to Know Sugar in a Healthy Way
Tooth health cannot be overstated. . A beautiful smile is something we all strive for. Having the confidence to express joy and laughter without feeling self-conscious is important. We might be less expressive if our teeth are in bad shape. Everyone notices when teeth are missing or decaying. It can be seen, smelt, and heard. Sugar should be limited, and teeth should be brushed regularly.