Posted by DR. CHRISTINE Y. LEE on Apr 12 2021, 08:11 AM
SUGAR. It’s the sweet enemy that’s infiltrated our diets. Sugar is one of the most readily available and heavily used sweeteners for millions of Americans. It has now become a major addiction for most. But did you know phasing out sugar comes with tons of benefits with regards to your oral health? Let’s take a look.
One of the downsides of sugar is that with continuous consumption, it slowly removes the sheen of your teeth and begins to cause discolor more and more each day. Putting a stop to sugar use or cutting down can bring back your shiny smile.
Tooth decay is the worst side-effect of regular sugar usage. As kids, we are always told to eat or drink less candy, soda, etc., because they can cause tooth decay. The same is the case with adults too. Tooth decay can lead to other possible complications, but it can easily be avoided when you abstain from sugar.
Sugar is known to feed the bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. So, when you abstain from sugar, your breath will certainly improve. Even if you have a habit of chewing gum or eating candy, try out their sugar-free alternatives! Many don’t realize the amount of sugar in chewing mint-flavored gums, and short term, they do make your breath smell better! Long-term use of chewing mint gums is not advised, though, because again, the sugar is feeding the “bad breath bacteria.”
Even lower quantities of sugar cause a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. So the more you cut down, the fewer chances you give them to fester. Apart from Xylitol, every other form of sugar can have a negative impact on your oral health.
The bottom line -- sweets: in moderation or not at all. Increased use of sugar can also lead to diabetes and other health complications. So, start your journey today to reap the benefits of a healthy, sugar-free life.
Rivermark Dental at Santa Clara is happy to educate and provide exceptional dental treatments to the community. Please schedule an appointment online or call us at 408-988-7788 to have a consultation with our dentist, and we will be happy to assist you further.
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