What Does Sugar Do to Your Teeth?

Contrary to popular belief, sugar itself doesn’t harm your oral health. It’s the harmful acids that bacteria produce after breaking down sugar that damages your teeth. They can easily dissolve your enamel, increasing your chances of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Luckily, you can keep your smile safe by brushing and flossing every day to eliminate the residual sugars and harmful bacteria from your mouth.

How Does Sugar Affect Your Oral and Bodily Health?

Sugar can cause an array of oral and bodily health complications for people who eat it, such as:

• Tooth Decay 
• Gum Disease 
• Obesity, Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes 
• Tips for Beating a Sugar Craving 

Tooth Decay :

It’s true – overconsumption of sugar is significantly associated with tooth decay. After eating sweet treats, the leftover particles combine with the saliva and bacteria present in the mouth and lead to plaque. Unless it’s removed properly, plaque can wear away the enamel and leave your teeth prone to cavities.

Gum Disease :

Sugar can also contribute to periodontal disease. Luckily, this infection can easily be treated if caught early. But if you fail to seek treatment, it can advance into periodontitis and destroy both the gum tissues and jawbone. Keep an eye out for red, bleeding, swollen, or tender gums as they’re signs of gum disease.

Obesity, Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes :

Excessive sugar consumption can also increase your risk of several health problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. These issues can fester over time and become severe if left untreated. You can prevent these complications by watching your sugar intake and sticking to a well-balanced diet full of whole foods.