Myths About Sugar and Your Teeth | Runcorn Dental
When it comes to sugar and your teeth, you're probably aware that the two don't mix well. Although avoiding too many sugary treats and snacks is a good start, some harmful myths are still floating around.
From the drinks you consume to sugar being the pinnacle of all evil, there are a few myths to be wary of. By learning more about them, you could protect your enamel for longer.
Diet Drinks Are an Acceptable Substitute
If you're a fizzy drink fan, you might find yourself choosing between sugary and diet varieties. Although the diet versions of soft drinks don't contain sugar, they're not necessarily a sensible option.
Diet fizzy drinks contain high levels of citric or phosphoric acid. Some contain the acids dentists rely on to roughen teeth before using bonding treatments. If you want to be good to your teeth, try reaching for a glass of water instead.
Most Drinks Aren’t Harmful
Although a lot of people are aware that fruit juices are high in sugar, they mistakenly believe that most drinks won't cause much damage. If you worry about your appearance, both coffee and tea have the power to stain your teeth over time. And although the sugar you add to them might not seem like much, it soon adds up.
If you're a fan of wine, you probably know that a few glasses of red is enough to leave a stain. But did you also know that white wine is acidic enough to break your teeth down too? It takes a while, but consuming too many glasses weakens your enamel. Both red and white contain hidden sugars too.
Consistent Small Doses Aren’t That Bad
Try to avoid switching sugar binges for consuming sweet snacks on a little and often basis. From the moment sugar enters your mouth, bacteria begin to flock towards it. The sugar helps them to multiply and then the bacteria leave a film of plaque on your teeth. Over time, the plaque buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease.
You don't need to avoid all sugar forever. But if you are in the habit of bingeing on sweet treats, just make sure your moderate approach isn't equating to the same amount of glucose as before. Try to go for the occasional small portion of sweets instead.
Avoiding All Sugars Is Necessary
Sugar comes in lots of different forms. In addition to the glucose you'll find in sugary snacks, you can find fructose in fruit and lactose in milk. Because of this, taking a puritanical approach to banning sugar from your mouth isn't good for your overall health.
Your body needs a rich supply of vitamins and minerals. Getting those vitamins and minerals means consuming products that contain naturally occurring sugars. As your oral health ties in closely with your overall bodily health, it's important to not punish your body in the pursuit of banning sugars from your mouth.
Always Brush Your Teeth After Eating Sugar
This particular myth is a bit tricky. It's wise to brush your teeth after eating a sugary snack such as a biscuit. You'll get the sugar away from your oral bacteria and your breath will smell fresh.
But when it comes to acidic fruits and juices, you should put your toothbrush down. The acid in such products weakens your teeth, and by brushing straight away afterward you may weaken your enamel further. Try waiting for a while instead.
Taking a sensible approach to sugar consumption and remaining wary of common myths can help to protect your oral health. If you want to protect your health further, make an appointment with one of our dentists at Runcorn Dental.
