How does sugar affect our teeth?
We know that excess sugar is detrimental to our health in general and to our mouth in particular.
We usually relate excess sugar with the appearance of cavities. We could say that there is a certain relationship, although it is indirect since it is acid and not sugar that causes cavities. However, there is a direct relationship between sugar and acid. Sugar causes the bacteria in the mouth to produce more acid, creating soft bacterial plaque, which coats the teeth and gums.
Consequences of bacterial plaque on teeth
This soft plaque can be easily removed by brushing, as long as it is removed within a few hours after it is created. This is why it is important to brush your teeth as soon as you finish eating, especially if you eat products with high sugar content.
After a few hours, the bacterial plaque created by these acids begins to harden, making it impossible to remove with an ordinary toothbrush. As a reaction to the high intake of sugars, the acids produced as a reaction by the bacteria can cause small holes in the enamel of the teeth, which is the beginning of tooth decay.
The importance of proper dental hygiene.
If the brushing techniques are not correct and we do not manage to eliminate the bacteria with a toothbrush, dental floss, etc., these will continue producing acid, causing caries and decayed cavities to grow, which can reach the nerve and can cause, in addition to horrendous pain, the loss of the tooth.
Caries must be treated as soon as they are detected to prevent further damage and the necessary treatments to be as minimally invasive as possible. That is why we will need to attend periodic check-ups and cleanings at least once a year, to check that we maintain a proper dental hygiene and that bacteria are not colonizing our mouth.
Conclusion: the importance of prevention
It is important to be aware that we should reduce the amount of sugars and sugary drinks that contribute little to our health, and to be aware, in case of consuming them, of the need for proper brushing after having ingested this type of product.
At Caballero de Rodas we are committed to prevention as an investment in dental health. Dental check-ups on time will give life to our smile, avoiding the evolution of the most aggressive gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis, and/or the loss of our teeth.
