Everyone craves sweet foods now and then. A display of cakes, cookies and ice cream sundaes in a coffee shop is often irresistible, especially when you’re stressed or hungry. Such cravings are the result of several factors.
For one, the brain makes you like sweet food. A feel-good hormone known as dopamine gets released every time your body feels pleasurable sensations. Since sweets taste good, the dopamine receptors all over your brain are activated every time you eat or even see sugary foods.
But though sweet treats are pleasurable and excellent sources of energy, excessive sugar intake can adversely affect your smile and oral health. It causes the bacteria in your mouth to generate the acid that damages your teeth over time. This means the more sweets you consume, the more acid you will bring into your mouth.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re probably wondering how much sugar is too much. This article will walk you through the relationship between sweets and teeth and better protect your teeth.
Sweets Affect Your Teeth
Your mouth is full of good and harmful bacteria. Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the two harmful bacteria found in the mouth. These bacteria feed on the sugar you eat and produce acids that damage your teeth.
The acids break down the tooth enamel, the protective layer covering the teeth. They leach essential minerals out of the enamel in the process of demineralization.
At reasonable levels, they won’t pose a danger to your mouth. However, consuming too much sugar promotes constant acid attacks and cavities over time.
If cavities are left untreated, they can penetrate the deeper layers of your teeth. The cavities will develop a hole, causing pain and potential tooth loss.
Top Foods That Damage Your Teeth
Now that you know that sugar works as a magnet for harmful bacteria, you probably want to steer clear of any sugary foods. The problem is, they are often hard to resist. While you don’t have to avoid sweets altogether, paying attention to the amount of sugar you consume every day is crucial.
If you want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, here are the top foods you can eliminate or at least minimize in your diet:
- Hard candies: These candies are full of sugar. Since you’re supposed to suck on them instead of chew, hard candies take more time in your mouth, deteriorating your enamel. There’s also a greater risk of breaking a tooth if you’re not careful.
- Gummy sweets: These gummies can stick to your teeth for ages, hindering the saliva from getting to that area. Saliva neutralizes the acids formed from sugars and restores minerals to your teeth. Eating gummies builds up bacteria and increases the risks of bacterial infection.
- Orange juice: Although rich in vitamin C, orange juice is high in sugar and nitric acid. When orange juice combines with a plaque in your mouth, it turns acidic and wears out the enamel in your teeth.
- Carbonated soft drinks: The sugar and acids in colas and other sodas encourage the growth of bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth, increasing the risk of cavity formation.
How to Protect Your Teeth When You Eat Sweets
For many people, consuming sugar is inevitable. You can eat the sweets you love on occasion, provided you’re smart about your intake. While sugar does not directly cause tooth decay, it feeds bad bacteria that destroy the enamel and cause tooth decay.
That said, it is possible to enjoy sweet foods without eroding your teeth. Below are ways to indulge in sweet treats while maintaining good oral health.
Avoid sticky or long-lasting sweets
All sweets can damage your teeth. However, some have worse effects than others, such as sticky and gummy candies. Remember that letting the sugar sit longer in your mouth can increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Avoid eating chewy or long-lasting sweets as much as possible. Keep your sweet treats quick to eat to decrease potential acid attacks.
Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing sugar-free gum can help protect your teeth. It won’t cause tooth decay since it contains xylitol, a category of natural sweeteners called sugar alcohol. It is sweet, but it is not sugar, so sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol can reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in plaque.
Your teeth are more at risk of acid attacks after eating. Chewing sugar-free gum reduces those attacks as it increases the flow of saliva, which, in turn, restores the minerals your enamel has lost.
Drink tap water
Water helps clean your mouth. After consuming sweets, drinking water will wash away the food residue that attracts cavity-causing bacteria. Plus, it dilutes active sugars, disrupting the acid attack and likelihood of tooth decay.
Consider low-sugar options
Moderation is also crucial for your sugar consumption. One way to protect your teeth is to eat and drink less sugar. Instead of sugary sodas and flavoured milk, you may consider their alternatives, such as low-fat milk and sugar-free sodas. You can also opt for unsalted nuts, low-sugar cereal and fruits for snacks.
It’s also worth noting that many foods and drinks in the market contain hidden sugar. If you want a safer option, you may want to make your own low-sugar recipes.
Don’t brush your teeth right after eating
Brushing your teeth helps wash away food particles that can damage your teeth. But brushing too soon after eating sugary or acidic food can be harmful.
If you brush right away, you’re helping the acids remove the enamel. It’s best to wait at least sixty minutes after eating or drinking something to brush your teeth. This allows saliva to remove some of the acids.
Floss after dessert
Plaque and food debris can get stuck between your teeth and gums, increasing the odds of tooth decay. But flossing helps remove them and prevents cavities and even gum disease. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, floss your teeth after eating dessert.
Eat a balanced diet
Keeping your teeth healthy requires more than practicing good oral hygiene. You also need to eat a balanced diet. Foods that contain calcium and phosphate can help reduce the risks of dental problems.
Visit your dentist regularly
A regular visit to your dentist is vital for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Although good oral hygiene can help, having your teeth checked by a dentist helps find and fix dental problems early.
Many dentists will pay special attention to plaque and tartar. They will professionally clean your teeth and get rid of those sticky deposits that were not removed by brushing and flossing. Make sure to visit your dentist at least every six months or as recommended by your dentist.
Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth
Cheese
Containing high levels of phosphate, cheese helps preserve tooth enamel. It neutralizes the pH level in your mouth, reducing the growth of harmful acids and cavities.
Leafy Greens
The leafy green vegetables strengthen tooth enamel by providing a barrier against cavity-causing bacterial acids. They are rich in nutrients like calcium, folic acid and minerals, which help protect your oral health.
Apples
The natural fibre in apples helps clean the teeth by removing the traces of plaque and residue. Their acidity also helps destroy harmful bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay.
If you are looking for a dentist in Hamilton, Ontario, our team will be able to provide you with the quality dental care you are looking for. Contact Dentistry on Seventh today to learn all about our dental treatment services.
Pro Tip:
“Did you know that not just any toothpaste will work against demineralization? Use fluoride toothpaste which may prevent tooth decay and can also strengthen your teeth, making them less susceptible to future mineral loss.”
Consult Your Dentist at Dentistry on Seventh Today!
Sugar consumption isn’t entirely bad. With good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular dental checkups, you can indulge in your favourite sweets without having to worry about tooth decay. For proper dental care and health, visit Dentistry on Seventh today. We have a team of experienced dentists who perform professional dental and orthodontic services.
Sweets & Your Teeth FAQs
How long can sugar sit on your teeth?
It can take about 20 minutes for the sugar to sit on your teeth and be converted to acid by harmful bacteria. Within this period, saliva neutralizes the acid on your teeth. But consuming more sugar can expose your teeth to further acid attacks, building up more bacteria.
Should I always brush my teeth after sugar?
You must brush your teeth daily. But brushing your teeth right after you consume sweets is not recommended. It’s best to wait at least 60 minutes after eating or drinking any sugary products. Doing so gives the enamel enough time to solidify before you brush.
What snacks are good for teeth?
Snacks that are not acidic, sticky or sugary can be good for your teeth. Specifically, low-sugar bread and cereals or fruits and vegetables are beneficial for increasing saliva production and getting rid of plaque and other leftover food particles.