5 Steps for Healthy Teeth - How to Stop Getting Cavities

The Sweet Truth: Sugar and Oral Health

We all know that sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes, but did you know that it’s also one of the biggest culprits behind poor oral health? While the occasional sugary treat won’t destroy your smile, consistently overindulging can lead to some pretty serious dental issues.

So how exactly does sugar affect your teeth and what can you do to keep your mouth healthy and your smile sparkling? Keep reading to find out.

Sugar’s Negative Side Effects on Your Teeth

Your mouth is full of bacteria – both good and bad. And it’s this bad bacteria that feeds off sugar. When you eat sugary foods or consume sugary beverages, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid, which can cause loss of tooth enamel. Over time, this leads to cavities and tooth decay. Studies detailed in Pub Med have shown that your mouth is home to harmful bacteria that produce acid in your mouth whenever they come in contact with and ingest sugar.

Sugar also interacts with this bacteria in your mouth to form a sticky plaque. Left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss.

Dry mouth caused by sugary foods and drinks can also be a problem for your oral health. A dry mouth means there’s less saliva to neutralize acids and wash away food particles and bad bacteria. When your teeth don’t have proper moisture they become more vulnerable to cavities and decay.

Protecting Your Teeth from Sugar

The good news is that you can protect your teeth and your smile by following a simple oral hygiene routine.

1.    Brush and Floss Daily

It’s important to brush your teeth every day, especially after enjoying something sweet. Be sure to brush thoroughly, reaching all the nooks and crannies, and don’t forget to floss. Flossing removes those sticky sugar particles that tend to linger unnoticed between your teeth.

 

2.    Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated is key to good oral health. When you drink water throughout the day, it helps to rinse your mouth and stimulates saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural defense against decay-causing acids.

 

3.    Choose Sugar-Free Snacks

Skip the sugary treats, and reach for fruits, vegetables, and dairy for healthier, tooth-friendly alternatives to unhealthy snacks. These types of foods also help to naturally clean your teeth, while providing nutrients like calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel.

 

When you’re craving candy or gum, reach for Stevita’s Sugar-Free Hard Candies available in four plant-based flavors, or our Stevita Hum Sugar-Free Chewing Gum, both of which promote better oral health.

 

4.    See Your Dentist

Your dentist is your friend! Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important so that your dentist can catch any oral health issues early and instruct you on how to better care for your teeth.

 

Sugar might taste sweet, but its effects on your health are anything but. Take these simple steps to protect your smile.