Tooth decay (dental caries) is the destruction of your tooth enamel (the hard, outer layer of your teeth) and is produced by harmful bacteria. There exists an active relationship between sugar and tooth decay & other oral health problems.
Consumed sugar may occur naturally in food or be an additive. But sugar isn’t the only culprit!
So, aside from sugar, what causes tooth decay or dental caries development? Multiple factors in addition to sugar affect the tooth decay process. These include the type of food and duration of exposure, but sugar is the cornerstone of decaying teeth. Medical research has shown a direct link between dietary sugar and dental decay.
The cost of tooth decay
Tooth decay has a huge financial and social burden. It is common in developed nations due to the sugar-rich diet prevalent in those countries (like right here in Australia). The latest data shows that 72,000 hospitalisations for dental conditions caused by dental caries could have possibly been avoided with earlier treatment and care.
Dental caries is characterised by the destruction of tooth enamel; it involves the presence of oral bacteria and a sugar-rich diet. The degree of deterioration is affected by the level of oral hygiene and genetic factors. Preventing poor dental health starts by focusing on eliminating or minimising sugar intake, as well as having regular dental check-ups.
Examples of high-sugar foods and drinks are:
- Confectionary
- Cakes
- Biscuits
- Sweetened cereals
- Sweet desserts
- Sucrose
- Honey
- Sugary drinks like soda
- Fruit juices
- Other food items with free sugars
Are your sugary drinks really worth it?
What does sugar do to your teeth? When you consume sugar, it reacts with bacteria present in the dental plaque. This bacteria—for example, Streptococcus—metabolises sugar to produce organic acids.
The ideal pH for normal teeth health is above 5.5. The organic acids produced from the metabolism of sugar make the pH of the teeth environment fall below 5.5. These harmful bacteria feed and cause demineralisation of the enamel leading to dental caries or tooth decay.
In contrast, a low-sugar diet favours remineralisation of the enamel.
Dental caries is also characterised by tooth pain and sensitive teeth. Sensitivity may be experienced during biting or drinking cold or hot foods and drinks. When tooth decay is not managed in time, it leads to the formation of cavities that expose the tooth pulp to armful bacterial infection and, when left untreated, can start to affect deeper layers, leading to tooth abscesses and other overall health issues. This can be properly prevented through good oral hygiene routine and being mindful of added sugars or free sugars.
How to prevent tooth decay?
To prevent tooth decay, dental caries, advanced gum disease, tooth loss, or tooth discolouration, the following tips would help a great deal, especially if you consume sugary foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, soft drinks and other high-sugar foods and drinks.
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Use fluoride toothpaste irrespective of whether you live in a fluoride-rich area or not.
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Eliminate or limit the amount and frequency of soft drinks to reduce dental caries and prevent harmful bacteria.
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Don’t sip sugary soft drinks. Try drinking with a straw to minimise sugary drink contact with your teeth.
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Exercise good oral health and brush and floss your teeth twice daily because the harmful bacteria produce acid, which attacks your teeth.
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Don’t skip regular dental visits.
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Restrict the amount of how much sugar you add to beverages and restrict sugary foods eaten by keeping them to mealtimes rather than regular snacks. Simply put, keep your free sugars intake or other types of sugar consumption to a minimum.
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Chewing sugar-free gum between meals to increase saliva production.
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Eat dairy foods like cheese after consuming fermented carbohydrates and other free sugars.
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Don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
High-sugar diets mean no sparkling white smile
Sugar itself can’t stain your teeth, but it can be the catalyst for tooth discolouration or even gum disease or periodontal disease. Developing dental caries occurs when you consume sugary treats or other food items with free sugars; the bacteria that helps digest the sugar in your mouth can erode your tooth enamel. When sugar is left on your teeth, this can lead to your dentin becoming exposed, yellowing your smile.
Fight your sugar cravings with nutritious foods like organic dates, fruits, etc. These foods are not only sweet and delicious but also rich in essential minerals.
So, what can be done about this discolouration? Luckily for you, PureSmile offers a vast range of teeth whitening options. Without breaking the bank, you can bring your smile back to its original glory or even whiter! In addition, you can get noticeable results from the comfort of your own home with PureSmile’s extensive range of DIY teeth whitening products.
Enamel Booster
It is best used directly after our teeth whitening treatment to replenish key minerals such as calcium & fluoride. Enamel Booster is a must for everyone who whitens their teeth! In addition, it directly combats the demineralisation caused by tooth decay and too much sugar. Smile wide and apply the gel to each tooth. Do not eat or drink anything for 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: If you suffer from sensitive teeth, this product is something to have in your purse at all times!
Teeth Whitening Pen
Looking for a whiter smile? With PureSmile Teeth Whitening Pen, your teeth will become whiter with every application! Smile wide and brush on the gel evenly to the front of your teeth to create a thin coat. Keep your smile for 60 seconds for the gel to set, then you can relax and carry on with your day and rinse in 30 minutes. Do not eat or drink anything for 60 minutes.
Teeth Whitening Trays
Teeth Whitening Trays are coated in gel which contains baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide and baking soda work by breaking down the darker molecules on your dentin or enamel, leaving you with a whiter, brighter smile. Teeth-whitening trays are among the most affordable professional teeth-whitening alternatives, saving you money.
Beauty isn’t always a pain. If you have sensitive teeth and gums from dental caries or tooth decay, it is widely known among dental circles that teeth whitening trays are the best way to boost your smile. You won’t have to sacrifice your comfort for the smile of your dreams. However, it is important to note that even though teeth whitening trays are known for their easy and painless use, carefully reading the instructions booklet before use is advised.
The SonicBrush Electric Toothbrush
It would be nice to know that you can afford to indulge in your favourite sugary treats without bearing the cost of dental damage and dealing with the effects of dental caries. Luckily for you, PureSmile can offer that peace of mind with the SonicBrush. The SonicBrush is beneficial for those who like to treat themselves with sugary food and drinks, as they can brush in a much superior manner over a regular or electric toothbrush. How? It effectively removes plaque and improves gum health while giving you an excellent brushing experience and top-notch oral care. The SonicBrush can reach 40,000 vibrations per minute, as well as three sonic toothbrush intensity settings and five brushing modes for excellent results.
Don’t forget good oral hygiene
Remember that ultimately the best defence against the effects of sugar and tooth decay is limiting your dietary sugar intake and upholding strong dental hygiene. You can help protect your oral health by seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups every 6-12 months. Our teeth whitening packages can also include a dental check-up to help you address dental caries before it gets worse. View our packages here.
Your new smile awaits
Say goodbye to your discoloured teeth with PureSmile’s variety of Teeth Whitening options.