October is here, which means Halloween is just around the corner. Once thought of as a holiday for children to enjoy trick-or-treating, many adults also enjoy Halloween parties and special outings with friends and family. One of the staples that seems to be present at every Halloween function for the old and young is endless amounts of sugar. It can be found in candy, desserts, soda, and even your favorite cocktails. Although delicious, the added sugar can destroy your teeth, leaving you with decay and the need for dental treatments to repair the damage.
Sugar is Your Smile’s Enemy
Many adults are surprised at the number of products that contain sugar. While we are sure that you know to brush your teeth following the consumption of sugar, we want to help you understand more about the damage that it may be causing to your teeth. Some of the examples may surprise you:
Increased Plaque Development
Sugar loves to stick and attach to teeth. This is one of the most important reasons we recommend brushing and flossing. When large amounts of sugar are consumed, the plaque that remains on the teeth greatly increases. During your exam, we can see how much sugar you eat and how well you maintain your oral hygiene based on your levels of plaque. This not only causes decay, but also increases your likelihood of developing gum disease.
Decreased Saliva Production
Sugar consumption can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then drop sharply. The fluctuation in your blood sugar can lead to issues with your saliva production. Saliva is needed to help wash away lingering bacteria from inside the mouth. Dry mouth from lack of saliva can lead to the development of cavities. When large amounts of sugar are consumed, we recommend swishing your mouth with water to help wash away bacteria before you are able to brush.
Increased Acidity
When large amounts of sugar are consumed in a short time period, your mouth becomes overwhelmed and the levels of acid increase sharply. Acid destroys the enamel, or outer covering of your teeth.
If it has been longer than six months since your last hygiene examination, we suggest calling our office located in Brunswick, GA to schedule an appointment. If you are a sugar lover, we can make sure that you are not experiencing any effects that will negatively impact your oral health. We would hate for you to have a dental emergency due to lack of care. We look forward to seeing you soon!
