General Dentistry: Why You Should Avoid Sugar

Many are familiar with how sugar can affect overall health, but fewer are familiar with why general dentistry practices recommend avoiding sugar. Sugar can have a negative impact on oral health and the appearance of your smile. This article discusses exactly why sugar is potentially harmful to the teeth and gums.

Why do general dentistry professionals recommend limiting sugar consumption?

The following is everything to know about how sugar consumption can damage oral health and how to keep a healthy and beautiful smile by limiting sugar and other refined carbohydrates. This can reduce the risk of needing restorative care in the future.

How sugar can affect oral health

Sugar is a carbohydrate. Like many other carbohydrates, sugar can combine with bacteria that naturally develop in the mouth. When this occurs, it triggers an acidic reaction that can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel and damage the gums. This leads to common oral health concerns such as dental cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. By limiting sugar consumption and taking precautions when consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar, the risk of oral health concerns is substantially reduced.

What are the risks of excessive sugar consumption?

As mentioned above, excessive sugar consumption could lead to a range of oral health concerns, particularly if the patient does not have a consistent oral care routine in place between their cleaning and check-up visits. Common issues that can develop as a consequence of excessive sugar consumption and poor hygiene are:

  • Weakened enamel
  • Dental cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Bone loss in the jaw
  • Oral infection

The risks depend on how long issues remain undetected and untreated. It is important to visit a dentist for check-up visits every four to six months and limit how much sugar is consumed between visits.

How much sugar is too much?

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 24 grams of sugar per day. While this number is recommended for heart health, it is a good rule to follow for protecting oral health as well. The more sugar that is consumed, the more important it is to practice good oral hygiene and consistently brush, floss, and use mouthwash.

Foods and drinks that can help oral health

Foods and drinks such as candy and soft drinks can harm oral health. On the other hand, there are some ways to actually improve oral health with dietary choices. One way is to consume more calcium, which can strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of dental decay. It can also help to drink water throughout the day, especially drinking water with fluoride, to wash away bacteria and keep teeth enamel and the gums strong.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Find out more about your oral health at our general dentistry office

If you have questions about how sugar affects oral health or are interested in scheduling a check-up visit with our office, contact us today. We value the oral health of our patients, and we do everything we can to prevent any issues from ever developing, along with offering restorative services.

Request an appointment or call Paris Dental & Aesthetics at 909-945-2342 for an appointment in our Rancho Cucamonga office.

Paris Dental & Aesthetics

Share
Published by
Paris Dental & Aesthetics

Recent Posts

Tips for Choosing a General Dentistry Office

Looking for a general dentistry office? Read on to learn some tips on how to…

2 years ago

General Dentistry Can Improve Your Overall Health

General dentistry focuses on preventative dental treatments that help keep your teeth and gums healthy.…

2 years ago

4 General Dentistry Myths

There are several myths about general dentistry out there. These misconceptions present a risk because…

2 years ago

General Dentistry: 4 Tips for Choosing a Toothbrush and Toothpaste

General dentistry can help you develop good oral health habits in many ways. Going to…

2 years ago

How General Dentistry Can Prolong the Health of Your Teeth

Going to your general dentistry clinic can help enhance your oral health. Dental damage and…

2 years ago

General Dentistry: What Mouthwashes Are Recommended

General dentistry focuses on keeping your mouth healthy, preventing oral problems like tooth decay and…

2 years ago