Why Is Sugar Bad For Your Teeth?

Sugar is in most of the food and drinks we consume, whether they are natural sugars or added for flavour. Sugar in our diet is commonly associated with giving the consumer a boost of energy or adding the fizz to a beverage, however, sugar can be very damaging on your health – especially your oral health – and cause irreversible damage.Sugar has been directly linked to many illnesses and disease such as obesity, cancer, heart disease and diabetes. These health problems can cause dental problems as a result, as well as sugar having a direct connection to the following issues.Tooth Decay

• Sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay
• After consuming sugars, our saliva mixes with the sugar molecules and bacteria found in our mouth which forms plaque. Without regular brushing, this plaque erodes the enamel on our teeth and causes tooth decay.
• Try to limit the amount of sugar you consume
• Ensure you brush your teeth as soon as possible after consuming sugar, especially sticky sweets and crisps that can easily get stuck in between your teeth

Gum Disease

• Sugar has been directly linked to causing gum disease
• Gum disease that is left untreated can quickly advance to periodontitis. This later, more advanced stage of gum disease can severely damage your gums and the bones in your jaw, eventually leading to tooth loss
• As gum disease is an infection of the gums, this infection can spread to other organs in your body such as kidneys and lungs very quickly if left untreated

You can protect your teeth from sugar by regularly brushing your teeth in between meals, limiting the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume and swapping our sugary treats for a healthier alternative.