You have been told time and time again to limit your sugar consummation because it is bad for your teeth, but do you know why sugar is bad for your teeth? Sugar is directly linked to causing tooth decay. While many tend to believe eating large amounts of sugar all at once will cause cavities, this is not necessarily true. Even moderate sugar consumption can lead to tooth decay as sugar forms acid in your mouth that eats away at enamel. As your family dentist in Bonita Springs, FL, we are here to help you understand the damaging consequences of tooth decay.
Why is Sugar Harmful?
As a children’s dentist in Bonita Springs, FL, we often hear that cavities are only a problem for children. While children are more prone to cavities due to poor oral hygiene, anyone can develop a cavity. A cavity develops when certain harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars you eat. These sugars are then turned into acid, which slowly eat away at the enamel. Over time, holes begin to form in the enamel, exposing the dentin of the tooth. Now, a cavity has formed, which requires immediate care to stop the tooth decay from worsening.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
While cavities are common, they are fairly easy to prevent. Cavities tend to develop in areas that are difficult to clean, such as the crevasses of the molars or in between the teeth. This is why proper oral hygiene is vital to cavity prevention.
You must brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Brush all the surfaces of the teeth while paying extra careful attention to hard to reach places. In addition, you need to floss in between each tooth once a day to remove plaque and tarter accumulations.
In addition to your home care, you need to visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. We will thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any plaque or tarter left behind from brushing and flossing. In addition, we will provide a comprehensive examination to detect cavities while they are still small. We will provide the necessary interventions to prevent cavities before they even start with dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
You will also need to limit your consumption of sugar and eat a well-balanced diet. By eating a healthy diet, you will help keep your teeth strong and healthy while preventing the development of cavities.
Your Dentist for a Cavity-Free Smile
At Pelican Landing Dental, we offer preventive care for patients of all ages. We will help you prevent cavities with the right preventive care and treatments to stop cavities before they start. However, if a cavity develops, we offer restorative dentistry to quickly remove the decay and restore the tooth’s health before the problem becomes worse.
If you need preventive care to stop the development of cavities, contact our office today to schedule your semi-annual appointment. We will help you create a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
