WHAT DO SUGAR AND SOFT DRINKS DO TO YOUR TEETH?
If you belong to the most of our population you have had at least one soft drink today. Drinking of sweetened drinks is connected to obesity, diabetes and gaining weight in general. It is common knowledge that sugar is bad for your teeth, but it wasn’t always so. In fact, when the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle first observed that sweet food causes cavity no one believed him.
But today, with progress of science, we can certainly say – sugar causes cavity.
SUGAR “HELPS” BAD BACTERIA IN YOUR MOUTH
Sugar is like a magnet for bad bacteria. They “feed” with sugar and form dental plaque, which is sticky and thin layer on the surface of your teeth, and if you don’t remove it regularly an acidic environment is created in your mouth, which than causes cavity.Over time, small holes become larger, and in the end tooth decay forms.
BAD EATING HABITS WHICH LEAD TO TOOTH DECAY
Latest research have shown that certain diet habits increase the risk of teeth decay.
- Consuming sugary snacks
Often consumption of food which is high in sugar increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the damaging effect of acid, which causes cavity.
Recent study, among school children, has shown that kids who often consume sweets and chips had 4 time bigger risk of cavity, than children who do not.
- Sugary and acidic drinks
The most common source of “liquid” sugar are sodas, sport drinks and energy drinks which cause cavity.
One big study in Finland has shown that consumption of 1-2 sweet drinks a day was linked to a 31 % higher risk of cavities forming.
If you consume more than 2 sweetened drinks a day, your risk of losing 6 teeth triples.
Luckily, if you decrease sugar intake in less than 10 % of daily calorie intake, you significantly decrease cavity risk.
- Sticky food
Sticky food, like candy, caramels, lollipops, is also connected with teeth cavity. It is especially harmful because you retain these foods in your mouth for longer, and sugar is gradually released, giving bacteria a lot of time to produce acid and damage tooth enamel.
TIPS ON HOW TO FIGHT TOOTH CAVITY
There are certain factor that can slow down the development of cavity :
We reccommend intake of whole grains, fresh frut and vegetable, and dairy.
Also, if you consume soda and sweets, have them with your meals, instead in between them. And it is good to use a straw while drinking sugary and acidic beverages.
- Decreased sugar intake
Sugar and sticky foods should only be eaten occasionally, and if you drink soda or energy drinks, don’t sip them slowly over a long period of time.
In all cases we recommend water, no drink can replace water.
- Good oral hygiene
It is necessary to wash your teeth minimum twice a day, in the morning and in the evening before sleep. Also you can use tooth paste that contains fluoride, which helps enamel in defense from bad bacteria.
And the most important – visit your dentist regularly, twice a year.
Be careful with your sugar intake, and teach your children to be carefull with sugar too.