Since you were a child, you’ve probably heard that eating too much sugar is bad for your teeth. While you may have though it was just your parents’ way of keeping you from enjoying too much candy, there’s actually a good reason for the warning. Eating too much sugar can contribute decay that leads to tooth fillings, gum disease, and other problems—even if you practice good oral hygiene. 

What Does Sugar Do to Your Teeth?

The human mouth is filled with multiple types of bacteria, both helpful and harmful. The harmful bacteria are attracted to sugar, and when they digest sugar left behind by the food and drink you consume, they turn to acid. This acid wears away at your teeth, removing enamel and leaving your mouth needing a tooth filling. 

However, sugar does more than just feed the bad bacteria in your mouth and cause tooth decay. The bacteria feed on sugar and create plaque, a colorless, sticky substance that adheres to your teeth. Unless you remove the plaque by brushing, it can wear away the enamel on your teeth and cause decay. It can also harden into tartar, which can contribute to gum disease unless it’s professionally removed by a dentist. 

How Do You Keep Sugar From Attacking Your Teeth?

Prevent the need for a tooth filling by not consuming a lot of sugar. The more sugary snacks and drinks you consume without cleaning your teeth, the more time the harmful bacteria have to create harmful acid and plaque. If you can’t eliminate sugary foods altogether, there are other ways to help prevent tooth decay, such as using a straw to consume sugary drinks and practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting a dentist biannually for a professional cleaning. 

Whether you need a regular dental checkup or you suspect you have a cavity and need a tooth filling, turn to Waterford Dental Health in New London County, CT. Offering both general and cosmetic dentistry services, including routine teeth cleanings and exams, implants, crowns, and teeth whitening, their dentists ensure every patient has a positive experience. Visit them online to learn more about the practice, and call (860) 447-2235 to schedule an appointment.