Most of us love having something sweet in the morning, after dinner, or even in the middle of the day as a nice little pick-me-up. But you probably know that consuming too many sugary items can spell bad news for your smile. In fact, sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay in cavities; however, knowing how to protect your smile while still satisfying your sweet tooth can make a big difference in your oral health. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

How Sugar Causes Cavities

Every time you eat or drink something sugary, the bacteria in your mouth feed on that sugar and produce acids. These acids then attack your tooth enamel, or the protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, repeated acid attacks can weaken and lead to cavities. Sticky or slowly dissolving sweets like caramel, gummy bears, and taffy, or even hard candies like jawbreakers and lollipops, can be especially harmful because they keep sugar in contact with your teeth for longer periods of time. However, anything containing copious amounts of sugar poses a threat: cakes and pastries, sodas and energy drinks, and even unsuspecting items like potato chips can all trigger this reaction that leads to cavities forming.

Tips for Protecting Your Teeth from Cavities

#1. Limit the Frequency & the Amount

It’s not only about how much sugar you eat but also how often. Constant and frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks keeps your teeth under attack from harmful acids throughout the day. Try to enjoy your sweets with meals instead of as frequent snacks; your saliva will naturally help to wash away sugars and acids while you eat!

#2. Rinse or Brush After Eating

If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward to help neutralize acids and remove leftover sugary particles. Drinking water works too! Brushing your teeth about 30 minutes after you’ve finished eating, once your enamel has re-hardened, is even better.

#3. Choose Healthier (and Just as Sweet) Alternatives

You don’t have to give up sweetness entirely; there are plenty of healthy options out there you can substitute into your diet to satisfy your cravings, including:

• Fresh fruit like peaches, pears, and bananas can taste sweet while also providing vitamins and minerals.
• Greek yogurt (with fruit like berries or any of the ones mentioned above) is protein-packed and naturally sweet.
• Dark chocolate is much lower in sugar content than milk chocolate, making it a fine substitute!

If you’re still concerned about getting a cavity because of your sweet tooth, it’s all the more reason to keep up with your dental checkups and cleanings; your provider will be able to make sure things are as they should be!

About the Practice

Our team here at Fort Dental has assisted patients and families in Fort Worth and the surrounding DFW metroplex with all of their dental needs for several years, offering a wide range of preventive services, including routine checkups and cleanings, oral cancer screenings, tooth-color fillings, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (817) 292-5957.