Safeguard Your Mouth This Winter By Limiting Cavity Causing Sugar

Winter is the time for cozying up in blankets, sipping on hot chocolate, and enjoying some sweet treats. However, the holiday season can also take a toll on your oral health if you're not careful. Certain foods and beverages can harm your teeth, especially if you're already dealing with tooth decay. 

Explain Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, which is also known as cavities, occurs when bacteria in the mouth combine with food particles. The acids that result break down the enamel on teeth, creating small holes that can become bigger if left untreated. If allowed to progress, the acid can also erode the dentin in the tooth, causing pain.

Some foods have a distinct effect on tooth health. When sugar is consumed, the bacteria in your mouth will react to it and release acids. This is the leading cause of tooth decay. Even when brushing after consuming sugary foods, there are still remnants of the sugar left behind, which can still fuel the growth of bacteria and lead to the breaking down of the enamel. These foods include candy and soda. Most foods that are highly processed, like chips or cookies, contain a lot of sugar and should be avoided. Drinking water after eating can help rinse away any leftover food, which can lower the risk of tooth decay.

In addition to limiting your intake of sugar, eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth healthy. Fruits such as apples, pears, strawberries, and oranges contain antioxidants that will prevent the buildup of plaque on the teeth and reduce the risk of damage. Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and cauliflower are known to promote good oral health as well. Dairy products like milk and cheese are also good for the teeth because they increase saliva production during digestion which will help wash food particles out of the mouth and reduce the chance of developing cavities.

Finally, wearing a mouthguard when you are playing sports can protect your teeth from injury. A hard hit to the face can result in chipped or broken teeth. While teeth can be repaired with fillings or crowns, they can be painful and costly to repair. The mouth guard serves as a barrier between your teeth to prevent wear. Night guards are also made to fit over braces as well. 

Call us at 773-880-2310 or email us at office@sheffieldsquaredental.com to schedule your appointment. Visit Sheffield Square Dental Care at 2835 N. Sheffield Ave, Suite 305, Chicago, IL 60657.