Imagine you are at home enjoying a peaceful evening, watching your favorite show with a cup of coffee and a plate of your favorite dessert. Suddenly, a familiar voice plays in your head: “Don’t eat sugar, or you will lose your teeth.” From childhood warnings to adult cautionary tales, the relationship between sugar and teeth is covered in myths and misconceptions, the most infamous being how sugar is considered the only cause for tooth decay, but is sugar the villain it’s made out to be? Can a sweet tooth spell doom for your dental health?
In this blog, we will delve more into the science behind sugar and debunk common myths, so grab a seat and maybe a cookie (just one, though), and let’s discover the truth about the sweet world of sugar.
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What Exactly Happens When We Eat Sugar
Our mouths get exposed to bacteria every time we eat. These bacteria often adhere to the teeth, forming a sticky film known as plaque. Plaque creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow by trapping food particles. When you eat sugary treats, these bacteria break down the sugar and produce acids that weaken the enamel and create tiny holes known as cavities.
3 Myths About Sugar and Your Teeth
#1 Consuming Sugar Gradually Throughout the Day Is Healthier Than Consuming a Large Amount at Once
Reality: When it comes to eating sugar, frequency matters more than quantity. It is not how much sugar you consume but how often you consume it. Let’s explain this more simply: what do you think is worse? Eating one huge triple chocolate cookie in one go or a pack of gummy bears throughout the day.
Well, you guessed it right! The latter is worse. Every time you eat sugary food, the bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack your enamel, causing holes and cavities. Usually, this damage subsides after around one hour. However, constantly nibbling on sugary snacks or sipping a sugary drink throughout the day creates more opportunities for these harmful attacks.
#2 Cutting Off Sugar Is the Key to Better Oral Health
Reality: Yes, cutting out refined sugar from your diet is good–not only for your oral health but also for your overall well-being. Reducing your daily sugar consumption can help you lose weight, reduce the risk of diabetes, and increase your energy levels. However, completely eliminating all types of sugar can backfire. Natural sugars found in fruits and dairy products are essential for your body because they contain fiber and protein, which stimulate saliva production and help wash away bacteria. In contrast, foods with added sugars often lack nutritional value and can stick to your teeth longer, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
But remember that even though natural sugars contain many healthy benefits, they can still cause tooth decay if oral hygiene is improperly maintained. So, it’s all about balance and maintaining good oral health practices to enjoy the benefits of natural sugars.
#3 It’s Best To Brush Your Teeth Immediately After Consuming Sugar
Reality: Doing so can do more harm than good. Dentists recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after consuming sugar before brushing your teeth. This is because when the bacteria break down the sugar you just consumed, it produces acids that weaken the enamel, making the teeth more vulnerable to damage from brushing. That is why waiting 30 minutes before brushing is better to allow saliva to neutralize acids and restore tooth enamel.
Is There Anything We Can Do To Protect Our Teeth?
When sweets are considered the number one happiness source, it can be challenging to eliminate them entirely. However, there are some tips you can follow to enjoy sugary treats while prioritizing oral health at the same time.
Choose Your Sweets Carefully: Avoid sticky and hard candies; these candies cling to your teeth and take longer to dissolve. This extended exposure creates a constant sugar stream, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Drink Water After Eating Sugary Treats: If you can’t brush your teeth after 30 minutes of eating sugar, it is recommended to drink a cup of water. Water rinse away leftover food that bacteria feed on. It could also wash away some of the sugars, reducing the time they are in contact with your teeth and potentially lowering the risk of tooth decay.
Eat Sweets as Part of a Meal: Saliva production is usually at its highest during large meals. By limiting your sugar intake to meals, saliva can help wash away food particles, prevent sugar from sticking to your teeth, and help neutralize acids.
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