Sugar is what leads to tooth decay. We all know this but, how exactly does it happen. It actually isn’t the sugar in it if itself that causes all of this damage, but the bacteria that you’re feeding. You’re actually causing a huge fight in your mouth if you continue to have these types of foods. It can form cavities, and here, we’ll highlight how this impacts your oral health.
So how do cavities develop? Well, the mouth has a ton of bacteria, and it can be beneficial to your oral health. But, some of these bacteria feed on the sugars you have in order to create acids that can destroy the enamel of the teeth, which is, of course, that shiny, protective outer layer. Cavities are essentially a bacterial infection caused by this, and you might feel a whole form in them. Sometimes they’re noticeable, other times not. Without the correct treatment, they can progress past the enamel and into the deeper parts of the teeth, which in turn cause pain and tooth loss.
This creates a constant battle. Your teeth are under attack by acids, but this can be reversed. The acids will leech on your minerals in an enamel though something called demineralization. But, you can actually mineralize the teeth in order to strengthen them once again. your saliva is a key player here. Saliva has calcium and phosphates in it to help with teeth repair. Fluoride that’s found in your teeth can also repair enamel that’s weakened. But, replacing this can only do so much to prevent the effects of the sugar on teeth. If you eat too many sweets, it can only replace so much. That’s why you should limit your sugar intake in order to help give your mouth a fighting chance against the damage there.
Cavities aren’t good, but there are ways to prevent it. The best thing to do is, of course, cut down on sugar, but you should also stimulate the saliva flow by adding more water to your diet. Having sugarless gum is also really good for this. You should also make sure that you’re getting more minerals to your teeth, and you can add some veggies and fruits to your diet in order to salivate. Yogurt, cheese, and another dairy also contain phosphates and calcium, which of course is what’s used to strengthen your teeth. They are better choices than sugary treats or starchy foods. Green and black teas are also good for you, since they contain various substances to help suppress these harmful bacteria, also adding some to your routine will also help balance this out.
Fluoride is your final game-changer. This will help reverse it in the early stages, and it can also prevent tooth decay. Drinking fluoridated water is probably your best bet, and you should try to use more fluoride toothpaste too, which is great since it’ll clean out these germs for up to 12 hours or so. You should try to get professional fluoride treatments too from dentists.
Having constant vigilance on your teeth is essential, and you should know what your limit is, and brush away any bacteria-filled plaque regularly to help with this. Add in some regular dental visits, and you’ll be well on your way to ensuring that you have the best chance at winning against tooth decay and improving this as well.