Dreaming of Sugar Plums...Before You Indulge
If your office or home is anything like ours this time of year you are probably overwhelmed by sugary goodies provided as gifts of appreciation by friends, colleagues and business associates. While our physician friends warn about the medical risks of the extra weight these can produce, we must also consider the damage they can do to your teeth. I’m not suggesting that you fail to sample some of these tasty treats. I just want you to be aware of how they can contribute to tooth decay and give you some tips for minimizing their impact on your oral health.
Why sugar is the culprit
The acids that cause cavities are produced by types of bacteria that live in dental plaque. These living organisms, just like us, create waste when they consume. The waste products created during the digestion of sugars such as glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose or cooked starches are acids that cause “demineralization” or the leaching away of calcium compounds from a tooth’s hard tissues. As soon as we ingest foods or beverages containing sugar, the bacteria in our mouths start producing these damaging acids.
How to minimize the damage
It’s a simple formula. The less sugar you consume, the less often you eat sugary foods, and the shorter amount of time that dietary sugars remain in your mouth, the less exposure your teeth will have to the acids produced by the oral bacteria. Cavity prevention techniques that are particularly effective this time of year, when your sugar intake is probably much higher than normal due to all those home baked specialties, include brushing and flossing, or at least rinsing, immediately after eating sugary foods. And as tempting as it might be to stick around the dessert table, don’t spread your intake over a long period of time. Eat your treats, enjoy every bite, and then clean your teeth. I promise you a better check up in the new year, if you follow this advice!
