Sugar is one of the main contributors to dental cavities and other oral health concerns, which is why many general dentists encourage patients to limit or avoid sugar consumption. This review discusses the effects that sugar can have on oral health and how to reduce the risk of oral health complications through dietary changes and good oral hygiene.
While general dentists offer restorative care, their primary focus is helping their patients prevent oral health concerns for the long term. This includes limiting sugar consumption and practicing good oral hygiene to maintain ideal oral health, which prevents the need for invasive and expensive dental procedures.
Sugar is one of several carbohydrates that are highly harmful to tooth enamel and periodontal health. Sugar combines with bacteria and saliva in the mouth to create an acidic reaction. This reaction has the power to break down teeth enamel and damage the gums. While one sugar-filled snack is not enough to harm teeth and gums in the long term, repeatedly consuming foods and drinks high in sugar can have a significant impact on periodontal health, causing issues such as bad breath, teeth decay, gum disease, deep gum pockets, gum recession, bone loss in the jaw, and eventually, tooth loss.
It is not necessary (and not realistic) to avoid sugar altogether. That said, it is important to limit sugar consumption and understand the impact it can have on oral health. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene when consuming sugar.
Patients can further reduce the risk of oral health concerns by drinking water throughout the day, brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for all scheduled check-ups and cleaning visits. Be sure to also protect teeth from grinding and trauma by wearing a mouthguard when necessary.
It is encouraged for adults and children alike to see the general dentist every four to six months for a routine visit. This allows the dentist to check on each family member's oral health and detect any concerns as early as possible to minimize the invasiveness and cost of treatment.
Foods and drinks that contain calcium, such as milk and eggs, are great for teeth. Drinking water throughout the day can also keep bacteria washed away and minimize the risk of periodontal disease, dental cavities, and other oral health concerns.
Are you past due for your check-up visit, or do you have oral health concerns that need to be addressed? If so, then speak with our friendly and professional general dentist team today to arrange a time to come in for a visit.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kevinjdailydds.com or call Kevin J Daily DDS at (831) 580-1141 for an appointment in our Santa Cruz office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Santa Cruz, CA.
Your general dentist can give you regular dental cleanings. This type of treatment can keep bad bacteria from causing significant dental damage. That is why keeping your dental appointments is crucial. Here are the details about how important dental cleanings are, according to your general dentist.Regular dental cleanings can remove surface discolorations or stains. A…
Suffering from bad breath? It is easy to neglect some of the most important routines when it comes to dental hygiene. While it is recommended to brush twice a day, there are a lot of key steps that many people neglect in taking care of their teeth. Let us take a look at some of…
Like the primary care physician, the general dentist should be one of your most important sources for maintaining good health. This dental professional can spot troubling issues in your mouth but also provide ongoing maintenance. When you choose a dentist, you can take the entire family, regardless of the person’s age or the severity of…
A general dentist might recommend that patients get x-rays during a dental appointment. X-rays serve many purposes in dentistry, from providing a closer look at the health of the oral cavity to checking a child’s bite alignment. Although certain factors necessitate the need for dental x-rays, there is a basic guideline used by general dentists…
Looking for an emergency dentist in case your child experiences a dental emergency? It is a good idea to plan ahead of time. While some pediatric dentists offer emergency dental services, not all do. However, those who do, understand the importance of providing emergency dental care services, especially when the emergency has to do with…
Wondering if a dental cleaning helps prevent gum disease? Preventive dentistry, including routine dental cleanings, is essential to having a healthy mouth because it helps patients avoid cavities, enamel wear, and gum disease. Therefore, regular dental cleanings are crucial to a dental patient's oral health.Signing up for a dental cleaning on a regular basis is…