Do you crave sweets? Do you find it impossible to skip dessert, or resist a sweet pick-me-up snack in the middle of the day? You probably have a sweet tooth, and you probably know that already. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we want to remind you of the effects of sugar on teeth.
Simply put, sugar causes cavities. But it doesn’t cause them all by itself. Eating sugar sets off a chain of events that can lead to tooth decay.
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Many of them are good for you. Some of them, though, feed on sugar, which in turn create acids that destroy tooth enamel – that hard substance that is the protective outer layer of a tooth. The result is a hole in the enamel – what we call a cavity.
AN ONGOING BATTLE
This process of bacteria converting sugar into cavity-causing acids is constantly going on. Some things you can do to protect your teeth:
- Limit your consumption of sugar
- Brush and floss twice a day
- Use a toothpaste with fluoride
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
There is even more you can do to protect your dental health. Researchers say that one of the best things you can do is stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth.
How so? Well, saliva bathes your teeth in minerals, like calcium and phosphates. Along with the fluoride in your toothpaste, they help to repair teeth. This process is called remineralization. You can help this by chewing sugarless gum, and eating more fruits and vegetables, which stimulate saliva.
It’s also a good idea to choose your snacks carefully. Things like cheese and yogurt have calcium and phosphates that strengthen the teeth. Green and black tea, unsweetened, can also help.
At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want all our patients to do everything they can to prevent cavities, and promote good dental health. In addition to cutting down on sugar, you should see us for a checkup and cleaning twice a year. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Call to schedule your next appointment today!
Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
616-784-2377
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321
