The Unsweet Truth About How Sugar Leads To Cavities
Tuesday February 27, 2024
Dr. Spencer Hoyt and the Fort Worth Dental Arts team can provide white composite fillings to individuals with cavities in the Fort Worth, Texas, area. These fillings blend seamlessly with your natural tooth, require minimal tooth structure to be removed, and are securely bonded to the tooth. This results in a strong and durable solution that will last years. But what causes cavities? You’ve likely been told (since you were a child) that sugar is a significant culprit. But do you know why that is? Let’s take a look at how sugar can lead to cavities.
Sugar – Not As Innocent As It Seems!
Sugar, the seemingly innocent pleasure that adds sweetness to our lives, actually holds a darker secret when it comes to your oral health. The connection between sugar consumption and cavities is well-established, so let’s shed some light on the importance of mindful sugar intake for maintaining a cavity-free smile.
Oral Bacteria Love Sugar!
When you consume sugar-packed food and drink, you unknowingly fuel the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria thrive on sugar, breaking it into acids that attack a tooth’s enamel. The enamel is the protective outer layer of the teeth, and when exposed to these acids, it erodes.
As the enamel weakens, the risk of cavities increases. Cavities, also known as caries, are essentially holes or damaged areas in the teeth. The acid-producing bacteria create a hostile environment that demineralizes the enamel, leaving the tooth vulnerable to decay. The more sugar consumed, the more fuel these bacteria have to wreak havoc on dental health.
Quantity and Frequency Matter
It’s not just the quantity of sugar but also the frequency and duration of exposure. Snacking on sugary treats throughout the day or sipping on sweetened beverages allows a constant supply of sugar for the bacteria, prolonging the acid attack on teeth. This continuous assault weakens the enamel over time, paving the way for cavities to develop.
Moreover, hidden sugars in processed foods and drinks can catch us off guard. Items like sodas, candies, pastries, and even seemingly healthy options may contain high levels of added sugars. Reading labels and being aware of hidden sugars is crucial for making informed choices that support oral health.
Cavity Prevention Is Key
Preventing cavities involves reducing sugar intake and adopting good oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are vital in keeping teeth clean and strong. Fluoride toothpaste and treatments further fortify the enamel, helping to resist the acid attacks initiated by sugar.
White Fillings in Fort Worth, Texas
If you are in the Fort Worth, TX, area, you can count on Dr. Spencer Hoyt to provide safe and effective white tooth-colored fillings. To reach Fort Worth Dental Arts, call (817) 529-1600.
Dr. Spencer Hoyt obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and followed his Residency/ Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the world-renowned University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA. He established Fort Worth Dental Arts in 2011 to see dentistry done differently as he was passionate about providing quality dental care to his community.
Dr. Hoyt is an active member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, CEREC Doctors, and Spear Education. He was voted Best Dentist' 2019, 2020, 2021 by Fort Worth Weekly.