How Much Sugar Is In Your Diet?

How much attention do you pay to your diet? What you choose to eat and drink can have implications for your appearance, and your general health. However, even if you are one of those lucky people who can avoid gaining excess weight because of a less controlled diet, your choices can affect your oral health. A diet high in sugar will put you at more of a cavity risk, as sugar can stimulate cavity-causing activity with the plaque on your teeth. A diet that limits sugar can make it easier for you to protect your teeth from needing restorative work from your dentist.

Everyday Eating Habits And Your Teeth

Sugar consumption is commonly cited as a cavity threat, but it takes the combination of sugar and bacteria in your mouth to produce decay. When sugar winds up on your teeth, it is consumed by bacteria – as that bacteria “digest” the sugars, they release enamel-eroding acids directly onto your teeth. These acids can ultimately break down your enamel so badly that the decay takes hold. This will need treatment from your dentist. If you have it addressed in time, you should be fine with a filling to restore lost material.

Your Diet Can Affect How Your Teeth Look

Dark beverages and foods with rich colors may leave behind stains on your teeth that affect their whiteness. If those stains become too severe, you may want to have a professional teeth whitening in order to address their negative effect on your teeth color. Reducing the amount you consume of these items can be especially important if you have porcelain veneers on your teeth. Veneers are stain-resistant, but you will not be able to use whitening agents to remove stains if any do develop.

About The Author

Dr. Brian Evans

Dr. Brian Evans, the current owner of Wager Evans Dental, initially worked as a CPA before transitioning to dentistry to make a greater impact on people's lives. He joined his father-in-law to expand a three-decade-long legacy in the northern Nevada community, eventually taking over the practice. Dr. Evans prioritizes a comfortable environment for his patients and stays at the forefront of dental technology and medical techniques through continuous education and advanced training, focusing on oral and systemic health.

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