Sugar and Dental Health

I'll be honest: I have a real sweet tooth. If my bank account allowed me, I'd have a peanut butter cup (or a chocolate Easter bunny) every day of the week. But, well, I know that might be a bad idea. However, it occurs to me that many of you might not know what sugar actually does to your teeth - and how to protect your teeth from one too many sweet treats.

So what does sugar actually do to your teeth? Well, sugar feeds oral bacteria, which then produce acids that erode enamel and cause cavities. It's the acid that really damages your teeth, not the sugar itself. The real risk factor is frequency and duration of exposure to sugar, not just quantity. Even sugar-free or acidic foods/drinks can damage enamel due to acidity. I realize that this sounds disheartening, but don't worry! There is a way to enjoy sugary snacks while also preventing cavities.

First of all, the type of sweets you consume is very important. Not all treats are equally harmful. The worst offenders are sticky candies, hard candies, and sour candies. I know, I know. I'm sorry to all the caramel, rock candy and Sour Patch fans out there - but it has to be said. Sticky candies cling to teeth longer. Hard candies expose teeth to sugar for extended periods. Sour candies are both acidic and sugar-heavy, accelerating enamel damage. However, all is not lost! Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is a healthier substitute. It melts quickly and leaves less residue.

Second of all, it is more important to time your sugar intake than to restrict it. It is better to eat sweets with meals, not as snacks. This is because during meals, well, you've got a lot more saliva in your mouth to initiate digestion. All that spit helps to neutralize the acids which sugar-intake promotes. It is also important to avoid grazing on sugary items all day. Each bite restarts acid production and exposes your teeth to further risk. Finally, it is more realistic and effective to limit sugar rather than banning it entirely. Remember: everything in moderation.

This time of the year - i.e. immediately post-Easter - is a particularly risky time for your teeth. Honestly, every holiday season is a risky time for your teeth. Increased sugar availability and disrupted routines lead to more frequent snacking and sipping. Also, holiday commutes lead to less consistent brushing and flossing. This combination leads to more bacteria activity, more acid exposure and a higher chance of developing cavities.

Don't worry! You don't have to give up your chocolate Easter bunnies entirely. You can have your sweets, but make sure you practice healthy habits to offset the risk. After consuming a sweet treat, rinse with water to remove sugars and acids. After eating acidic foods, make sure to wait for thirty minutes before brushing your teeth. When you consume sugar, the enamel on your teeth temporarily softens. It's important to wait for them to harden again before you brush them, otherwise you might damage your teeth. Finally, keep up your pre-existing healthy habits! Brush your teeth twice a day, floss, drink lots of water and make sure you schedule regular dental check ups.

With the right support and preventive care, you can keep your teeth healthy for decades to come. At our office, we believe great dental care starts with education, prevention, and understanding the whole person. If you live in the Hudson Valley, NY, and would like more personalized guidance on protecting your smile through the sugary holidays and beyond, we would love to help. You can call (845) 244-3082 or email drhwettels@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. Together, we can create a plan that keeps your smile healthy - even if you have a bit of sweet tooth.