Everyone loves to eat the colorful and tasty foods especially sugary foods. But one thing we are forgetting is it’s not good for our health. The sweetness of sugar may taste good but it might be bad for your teeth. To prevent tooth decay, cavities and other dental problems, you need to know how sugar affects your teeth. Routine dental checkups are one of the best ways to catch problems early and keep your smile healthy.

So, how exactly can those delicious foods create damage in your mouth?

It all starts with sweets. Millions of bacteria live in our mouths, some of which are good and others not. Bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans are in the other group. You’re essentially giving these microscopic organisms a feast when you eat sugar, which they love.

Here’s how it going;

Acid Production: As these bacteria absorb sugar, they generate acids. This is the important step where the damage starts.

Enamel Erosion: enamel in your teeth, the toughest substance in your body, is extremely strong, but it is reactive to acid. These acids start to dematerialize the enamel, resulting in tiny holes. Over time, these little holes might develop into fully cavities.

Dentin Exposure: If left untreated, decay will penetrate the enamel and reach the dentin, the softer layer below. This is when you may begin to notice sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.

Pulp Infection: In extreme cases, decay can spread to the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This can cause severe pain, infection, and the necessity for root canal therapy or extraction.

It is not only your teeth that are at risk. Your gums are also more sensitive to the negative effects of sugar.

The good news is that you don’t have to give up sweets completely. Here is how you may reduce their impact on your oral health;

Consume sweets in moderation and ideally with meals, as increased saliva production during meals helps wash away sugar and neutralize acids.

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to eliminate plaque and food particles.

If you are unable to brush your teeth immediately after eating a sweet treat, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to help wash away the sugar and acid.

opt for healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. If you do indulge, choose treats that are less sticky and dissolve quickly.

Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.

For routine examinations and expert cleanings, schedule regular visits to your dentist. They are able to recognize issues early on and take action before they worsen.

Don’t allow the transient pleasure of sweets to evolve into chronic dental pain. Understanding how sugar affects your teeth and gums and adopting preventative steps will help you maintain your smile healthy and bright for years to come.

If you’re in Kochi and have dental problems, go to Koshy’s Dental Clinic for specialist treatment.