Sugar is the most controversial food on the planet. It is contained in almost all products in various forms and is usually heavily processed, so much so that it is no longer present in its natural state.
On average, one person consumes about three ounces of sugar per day. What does this do to the teeth? Can grabbing the milk help? And ultimately can you defeat the sugar bug? This article aims to answer all of those questions. As we all know dental plans can get expensive especially when you are not taking care of your teeth.
For many of us, sugar is considered to be our teeth’s’ most significant enemy. Consequently, the more sucrose, the more caries? In essence, this assumption is wrong, because it depends not on the amount, but on the duration and nature of its consumption.
Sugar Does Not Harm the Teeth Directly
Strictly speaking, the sugar itself does not harm the teeth. Lactic acid, which is produced when bacteria in the plaque eats the sugar is the real culprit here. The acid lowers the pH level in the oral cavity and dissolves minerals from the enamel. The coating can then no longer fulfill its function as a protective jacket.
In time, this process leads to caries and other pathogenic bacteria. The less sugar you consume, the lower the lactic acid production, and consequently, there’s less of a chance of tooth decay, resulting in an overall healthier oral cavity.
So, you may be wondering: What Causes Cavity?
Those of you who do not want to do without the sweet stuff altogether can still pay attention to their teeth. It makes sense to limit the consumption of those saccharine munchies to once a day and thus not constantly expose the teeth to sugar or lactic acid.
Furthermore, it’s good to wait for about half an hour after the consumption of something sweet before brushing your teeth. For a speedier freeing of the mouth from the lactic acid and the remaining saccharine coating rinse the mouth with some water.
Cut The Sugar, Grab The Milk
This dairy product can help in the quest to stop overly high sugar consumption and absorption.
- Milk contains magnesium, which is good in the fight in supporting the cells in your body to remove the sugar from the blood by improving insulin sensitivity.
- Also, the magnesium contained in milk aids in the metabolism of carbs.
- It is also based on certain amounts of fat and protein that temper nutritional carbohydrates in the blood sugar when consumed in unison.
Did you know that sugar may be a cause of your root canal: What is Root Canal Therapy?
How Can You Defeat the Sugar Bug?
It all starts when you go shopping.
It’s best to spend a little more time doing this because you should go through every ingredient list of each product. Often, sugar is second or even first on display so it’s very easy to find.
Furthermore, you should look for ingredients such as glucose and sucrose, which are all industrial sugars! In general, you have to know that you can distinguish between the refined industrial and natural types.
At least, natural sweetener still contains other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These are very helpful in its breakdown so that it can be converted naturally. In refined industrial sugars, these substances are entirely missing.
Don’t forget to brush your teeth and floss.
We all are guilty here. But brushing your teeth twice a day will only keep you healthy. Most dentists recommend on using an electric powered toothbrush to help you remove all the bacteria.
But wait! We can’t forget about flossing! This is usually the extra step you have to take to keep the teeth healthy. You can use a floss stick or a highly recommended WaterPik by dentists.
You also have to be careful with fruit yogurts, or quarks and milk-fruit drinks.
These usually contain large amounts of sucrose. Please do not use light products instead. Although these typically contain less fat, they usually comprise even more of the sugary stuff than ‘normal’ products. It is better to buy natural yogurt or quark and garnish it with fresh fruits.
You should also skip processed foods and soft drinks completely.
If you would like to have a refreshing beverage, then try some water or sparkling water with a few slices of lemon and a few mint leaves. Also good is unsweetened tea!
It is probably best to cook and bake yourself.
The amount of sugar can be determined or even replaced. Honey, of course, has no fewer calories than regular sugar and is no better for the teeth – on the contrary: its viscous quality is even very adhesive. However, honey is one of the natural sugars and is therefore much healthier nutritionally.
Sweets, chips, and snacks – are best left out.
If you cannot do that, you should look for (almost) sugar-free substitutes. For example, nuts, rice waffles, natural yogurt, sugar-free peanut butter or just things that contain only natural sugar such as fruit, maybe a little honey in the yogurt (no jam!).
By following these guidelines, your chances of a healthier lifestyle greatly increase. Also, it doesn’t have to be torture – just be creative and find some cool alternatives.
Head over to our next topic: How does Plaque cause a cavity?
