It’s widely known that sugar rots your teeth. But, many do not know why and how it rots your teeth.
According to Colgate, teeth are constantly being attacked by acids. But, the good thing is this process is easily reversed as well. Acids take minerals through a process called demineralization. Using your saliva, the natural process of remineralization replaces the taken minerals to strengthen the teeth. Saliva contains minerals, such as calcium and phosphates, that help repair teeth. When eating a large amount of sugar, you are unbalancing the process, forcing your teeth to go through demineralization more.
The Effects of Sugar On Your Teeth
- Sugar and tooth decay are directly related. After eating a high amount of sugar, the molecules, combined with saliva and bacteria, present in the mouth. This combination will eventually lead to plaque build-up on the teeth.
- If plaque is left on the teeth it can dissolve into the enamel, creating cavities. Cavities are a bacterial infection created by acids, creating holes in your teeth. To control the bacteria and plaque build up, we recommend brushing your teeth as soon as possible after eating.
- Sugar doesn’t just cause cavities, it can also lead to gum disease. Gum disease may advance to periodontitis if left untreated.
- Periodontists involves gum tissue and the bones underneath your gums. If this bacteria travels throughout the body, it can invade joints, connective tissue, and organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs. They can also cause blood clots that clog arteries.
Dentist Can Help
If you think that you’ve been consuming a lot of sugar, consider a professional cleaning. A professional cleaning can help remove any build up of plaque and stop any potential cavities from forming. Here at Mountain Shadows Dental, we are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.