Why is sugar bad for teeth?

Sugar is an indispensable condiment in the processing of dishes. However, sugar is not good for teeth if used a lot. So how to limit eating sugar that harms teeth? The following article presents how sugar affects teeth and how to prevent the harmful effects of eating sugar caries.

Eating foods with high sugar content will cause tooth decay and destroy teeth. This is because sugar attracts bad bacteria and lowers the pH in the mouth, while many different types of bacteria live in the mouth. Some are beneficial for oral health but others are harmful. Harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus, when exposed to sugar, form dental plaque and produce acids in the mouth that lower the pH. When the pH of plaque drops below normal, or below 5.5, the acids begin to dissolve minerals and destroy tooth enamel. This process is called demineralization. During this process, small holes or stains will form. Over time, they will become larger, until a large hole or cavity in the tooth appears. However, saliva will perform a continuous remineralization process. Minerals in saliva such as calcium and phosphate, along with fluoride from toothpaste and water, replace lost minerals and help restore enamel. But if the acid attacks go on over and over again, more and more minerals will be lost. Over time, tooth enamel is destroyed and weakened, leading to tooth decay. Signs of tooth decay include toothache, pain when chewing, and sensitivity to acidic, sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks. That is the mechanism of eating sugar caries.

Factors that can limit the harmful effects of eating sugary teeth include saliva, eating habits, fluoride exposure, oral hygiene and overall diet. Since sugar is bad for your teeth, the most important thing is to limit your sugar intake.
Limit sugary foods and sweetened drinks. Eat in the same meal instead of alternating and also do not sip slowly for a long time. Use a straw when drinking sugary drinks, as this will reduce your teeth's exposure to sugar. Eat raw fruits or vegetables with meals to increase the flow of saliva in the mouth. Rinse your mouth with water, preferably water containing fluoride to dilute the sugar on the tooth surface. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily is important to prevent tooth decay. Brush after each meal whenever possible and then brush again at bedtime. Enhance oral hygiene by using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which protects and adds minerals to the teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent plaque formation by stimulating saliva production and remineralization. Finally, there's no guarantee of keeping your teeth and gums healthy like visiting your dentist every six months. In short, whenever you eat or drink foods with sugar, bacteria in your mouth work to break down the sugars into acids. Acid destroys tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay over time. To combat tooth decay, limit your intake of high-sugar foods and drinks, especially between meals and before bed. Besides monitoring your sugar intake, try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, take care of your teeth, and visit your dentist regularly to prevent tooth decay.
Once you understand the problem that sugar is not good for your teeth and the dangers of eating sugar, you should consider maintaining a healthy and diet plan to protect your oral health as best as possible.
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Reference source: colgate.com - dentalone-ga.com - healthline.com