In this modern world, it is unavoidable that sugar has become an ingrained part of our diet. Many people don't know that this increases the risk of dental health issues like tooth decay. Sugar in itself does not affect the teeth. However, a sequence of events in the mouth causes these issues.
The Process of Demineralization
We have a lot of bacteria and minerals in our mouths. These minerals strengthen your teeth and repair the enamel against constant acid attacks. The bacteria in our mouth can be good or bad for our dental health. When we ingest sugar, the harmful bacteria digest sugar and form acid, which erodes the tooth enamel. Demineralization is the process in which acids eat away at the minerals protecting the teeth, making them vulnerable. The minerals we are talking about here are Calcium, Phosphate, and the Fluoride we get from toothpaste. Although these minerals work to remineralize and repair the damage caused by the acid attacks, constant attacks eventually weaken and erode the enamel.
Dietary Habits that cause Tooth Decay
Our dietary choices contain sugar that jeopardizes tooth health. Sugar is present in high concentrations in sweet snacks and drinks like soda. Acid is released as a result, raising your risk of developing tooth decay.
How Bacteria affects Teeth
Sugar attracts the bacteria that are present in your mouth. It is primarily responsible for the formation and coating of the teeth with plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that adheres to the surface of the teeth. It is removed from teeth by brushing them and maintaining a dental hygiene practice. Plaque build-up increases the mouth's acidity, which raises the risk of tooth decay. If left untreated, it also produces tartar, a hard substance that is challenging to get rid of on your own.
Dental Blog | Dentist Menasha, WI | Mid Valley Dental, S.C. Michael J. Wockenfus, DDS created a blog to educate the community. It is your resource for all dentistry questions. Learn and read topics in the blog here! Mid Valley Dental, SC, 903 E. Airport Road, Menasha, WI 54952, (920) 215-4160, midvalleydental.com, 1/16/2025, Page Keywords: dentist Menasha WI,