Balancing sugar and dental health
Christmas time means cookies and treats, which means you might want to know: how does sugar affect your dental health? What you might not know is that eating sugar alone does not damage teeth. The damage comes when sugar combines with bacteria that live in the mouth. That process can then cause tooth decay.
When sugar combines with starches from processed foods like bread and crackers, the decay effect can be heightened, so you need to be mindful of sugary carbohydrates.
Luckily, your mouth produces saliva, which can be restorative to damaged areas of the mouth. Even so, repeated wear weakens the enamel and then forms cavities, and if those go untreated, you can have severe pain or even tooth loss.
Keep your smile bright
The best way to prevent tooth decay while still enjoying the occasional sweet is to have a healthy, consistent routine. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and make flossing a once a day habit. Flossing gets the food particles that are stuck cleared away and can be instrumental in aiding your overall oral hygiene over time.
You should also use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents tooth decay and therefore prevents the development of cavities. You can find fluoride in toothpaste, but it’s also found in water. Keeping hydrated is a great way to keep your smile bright.
If you’re concerned about how does sugar affect your dental health, you should also talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments. These treatments can reverse tooth decay and maintain a healthy smile.
Perhaps a more simple practice to form is eating a balanced diet. When you enjoy raw fruits and vegetables, this can keep your saliva production healthy. Healthy saliva production helps wash away bacteria and food particles that cause tooth decay. Though it’s perfectly fine to enjoy sweet treats around the holidays, balance that with maintaining a healthy diet. Your teeth will thank you in the long run.
About Dr. Marino & Associates and Dr. Nassif & Associates
Dr. Marino & Associates | Dr. Nassif & Associates is a great place to go if you have questions like: how does sugar affect your dental health? This team of dentists from Northeast Ohio serve countless patients and help them maintain healthy, bright smiles.
Though you should form habits in your daily routine, visiting a dentist’s office regularly is an essential part of proper dental health.
Dr. Marino & Associates and Dr. Nassif & Associates have created a welcoming network for people to go to for general dental health and cosmetic care. Their team offers services like dental implant surgery, digital X-rays, teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, radiography, orthodontic care, emergency dental care, and more.
This team also understands the importance of offering a range of financing options. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, you don’t want a financial issue to be the reason you don’t get the care you need. They accept most preferred provider organization (PPO) dental insurance coverage. If you have questions about your insurance, reach out to their team today.
Dr. Marino & Associates and Dr. Nassif & Associates also offer patients Dental Direct, which is a dental discount plan. Patients can save between 15% and 55% on treatments without having to deal with a yearly maximum. Or, consider their CareCredit option, which is the country’s leading patient payment program. This option offers 12-month plans with no upfront costs, annual fees, or pre-payment penalties.
It’s time to connect with a dental office that understands your needs and is here to serve you, whatever you may need. Take control of your dental hygiene and choose a team that will make your smile brighter. Visit Dr. Marino & Associates and Dr. Nassif & Associates at https://www.marinonassif.com/ to learn more.