There’s no denying that sugar tastes good. We use it to sweeten tea, lemonade, cakes, cookies, and all kinds of other desserts and beverages. It’s an important part of many people’s daily lives seeing as some can’t get their day started until they’ve had their favorite sweetened latte. Unfortunately, sugar can have a negative impact on your smile. That’s why some people tend to opt for sugar-free sweeteners. But are they any better for you? Continue reading to learn how sugar substitutes and oral health are connected.
How Sugar Affects Your Oral Health
Foods and drinks that contain sugar feed bacteria in the mouth that then release acids. These acids eat away at tooth enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth. As a result, your teeth will become weaker and more susceptible to tooth decay. If the decay is left untreated, it will continue to get worse until a serious infection develops.
How Sugar Substitutes Affect Your Oral Health
There are many reasons why people choose sugar substitutes over regular sugar. Some do it to lower their sugar intake. Others want to lessen their risk of developing health conditions. Luckily, many non-sugar sweeteners don’t encourage bacterial growth. The FDI World Dental Federation also found that non-cariogenic sugar substitutes, such as xylitol, actually reduce a person’s risk of tooth decay.
8 Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay
So, sugar substitutes are generally the better option when you want to add some sweetness to your favorite dessert or beverage. But what are some other ways that you can prevent tooth decay? A few ways to promote a healthy smile and keep cavities from forming include:
- Visit your dentist – Every six months, make an appointment with your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. This will allow them to thoroughly examine your smile and make sure that your teeth and other oral structures are healthy and strong.
- Brush – Once in the morning and once at night, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your smile for two minutes. You should also use a non-abrasive toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your smile.
- Floss – Do this at least once per day, preferably before bed.
- Eat well – Sugar should only be consumed in moderation. Your diet should consist mostly of foods that are good for your smile, such as fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, fish, nuts, and low-fat or fat-free dairy.
- Drink plenty of water – Drinking water helps wash away food particles and prevent dry mouth.
- Quit unhealthy habits – If you smoke, drink excessively, chew on ice, or use your teeth as tools, stop doing these things to prevent oral health problems down the line.
Sugar substitutes and oral health can generally coexist without issue. Just make sure to take good care of your smile, and you be enjoying a healthy beam for years to come!
About the Practice
If you have been searching for a skilled dentist in Peabody, look no further than Dr. Spiro Saati. He enjoys using his expertise in the dental health field to help patients keep oral health issues from developing and maintain healthy mouths. He can also teach you about alternatives to potentially harmful foods, such as the connection between sugar substitutes and oral health. Call his office at (978) 531-2185 to set up an appointment with Dr. Saati or visit his website to learn more about the services he offers.