Categories: General Health

When Your Diet Impacts Your Smile

It goes without saying that dental decay and infection are among the most common oral health concerns out there. As a matter of fact, these issues affect millions of individuals every year in one form or another, and any one of any age may endure it. While decay is certainly not a topic to be taken lightly, it is far from the only threat that plagues our teeth. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX dentist emphasizes the importance of having a well-rounded preventive dental routine and examines the way your diet can actually contribute to significant damage.

Sugar Rots Your Teeth

Ever since you were little, you likely had a parent, guardian, or other adult expressing their concerns for candy consumption and how it can rot your teeth. While it may sound like an exaggeration, this concept is actually true. In fact, too much sugar can cause your teeth to decay at a rapid rate, but how does it all work?

You see, every smile contains oral bacteria. While we cannot rid these microorganisms in their entirety, we can make sure to keep them away from our oral structures with consistent care. As these microorganisms lurk in the hard-to-clean recesses of the mouth, they feed off of the food we consume. When they consume sugar, however, they secrete a destructive acid that actively breaks down your teeth.

As time progresses, a small hole known as a cavity will begin to form. Without proper care, this cavity will become larger and deeper, affecting your inner dental pulp and nerves contained in your roots. If the condition continues much longer, you will likely face the reality of needing a tooth extracted. Because of this, we recommend consuming sugars in moderation and avoiding overly sweet products in particular.

Sports Drinks are Misleading

While sports drinks are often regarded for their ability to provide a large number of electrolytes, keep in mind that they also contain high levels of sugars and sodium as well. What’s more? Sports drinks contain a high level of acidity that actively weakens your teeth, in addition to properties that lead to stains. For more information about this process, reach out to our team today.

Too Much Citrus

Fruits are chock-full of wonderful vitamins and necessary nutrients, but many items such as citrus contain high levels of acidity. These acids wear down your enamel – your smile’s only natural defense mechanism against bacteria and other threats – and once it is gone, it is gone for good.

In order to avoid weakened structures, we recommend consuming citrus items in moderation and taking the time to brush after you are finished.