In addition to regular brushing and flossing, limiting sugar consumption is essential to dental care. But some may be surprised to learn that sugar, by itself, is not dangerous to teeth. Instead, S. Jill Spurlin, DMD, explains, high-sugar foods can have a series of negative effects on dental health. Encouraging patients to adopt tooth-friendly diets, the Enterprise, AL, dentist shares a few of the ways sugar can wreak havoc on oral health. 

What Bad Dental Hygiene Can Do to Your Body

1. Increased Risk of Tooth Decay

While sugar and cavities are closely related, this substance isn’t what causes the cavities. Instead, sugar serves as a food source to the assortment of bacteria that can be found in the mouth. As bacteria digest carbohydrates, they produce high amounts of acid, which can gradually eat away at a tooth’s enamel surface. This deterioration causes cavities and increases the risk for more severe dental infections, such as those that require dentists to perform root canals and tooth extractions.

2. Higher Gum Disease Danger

When oral bacteria thrive on sugar, their harmful acids can do more than eat away at teeth; they can also damage the gums. As gum tissue is damaged by acid attacks, it can become more susceptible to bacterial infections, leading to gum disease.

While early stages of gum disease — known as gingivitis — can be reversed with proper treatment from a dentist, this problem can cause a variety of health issues over time. In addition to swollen, bleeding, and red gums, this infection can also cause tooth loss and increase the risk of heart disease.

3. Lack of Tooth-Strengthening Nutrients

If you eat a lot of sugar, you may be missing out on a variety of tooth-friendly foods. For example, if you opt for soda instead of water, you may not be getting enough fluoride, which is added to municipal water supplies. Filling up on processed carbohydrates as opposed to fruits, veggies, and dairy may also deplete your body tooth-strengthening nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium.

When it comes to oral health, avoiding sugar is a simple way to build a stronger, healthier smile. However, it’s also critical to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Whether you’re due for a routine dental cleaning or concerned about a cavity, turn to S. Jill Spurlin, DMD, for a high level of professional care. Offering patients a wealth of experience and a friendly attitude, Dr. Spurlin is not only able to defend teeth against sugar, but also correct the problems it can cause. To learn more about her services, visit the clinic online. You can also call (334) 475-2624 to schedule a convenient appointment.