The holiday season is upon us and for most people that typically includes eating a lot of sweets. Everywhere you look there seem to be plates of cookies, chocolate, candy, and other irresistible goodies. Since many times the temptation to indulge is too great, it’s important to understand the impact of sugar on your teeth.
How does sugar affect your teeth?
Bacteria live in your mouth. As you consume sweets, these bacteria convert sugar into acid. Over time this acid erodes the enamel on your teeth. As the enamel wears thin, your teeth are more prone to forming cavities. Once a cavity appears there’s usually no alternative but to have a dentist treat the area of decay. If left untreated, the decay will continue to erode the tooth and could eventually reach the nerve.
The average American consumes an astounding 2-3 pounds of sugar each week. These figures are even higher during the year-end holidays. That’s a lot of potential acid coating your teeth. In addition to periodontal disease, sugar can also pose a threat to your health in a number of ways.
As with most things in life, sweets are fine in moderation. More importantly, it’s essential to maintain good oral health care to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. So go ahead and enjoy the treats that the holiday season offers. Just remember to take extra care of your teeth.