How Does Sugar Affect Your Dental Health?

Excessive sugar intake can damage your oral health in several ways. The harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that damage the tooth enamel and cause cavities. Therefore, if you want good oral health, you need to keep an eye on your daily sugar intake. 

You can also visit Dr. James McConnell at McConnell Dental in Stansbury Park, Utah, for any queries regarding your dental health. Meanwhile, let’s see how sugar can affect your dental health.

Effect of Sugar on Oral Health

Consuming sugary foods can create many problems for your teeth. Some of them include: 

• Cavities

Frequent intake of sugary foods can lead to cavity formation. The bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar in candies, desserts, or marshmallows. This can lead to the formation of plaque. As time passes, plaque erodes the tooth enamel and, if you do not take measures to eliminate it, it can lead to cavities or even tooth loss.

• Acid Formation

Oral bacteria namely streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sorbrinus also feed on sugary foods. These bacteria metabolize sugar and produce acid. This acid directly attacks the tooth enamel leading to cavities.

• Tooth Decay

Sugar causes tooth decay. Plaque is formed due to sugar accumulating on the teeth. When plaque forms, it erodes the tooth enamel and causes tooth decay.

• Gingivitis

Plaque formed over the teeth due to excess sugar intake can produce toxic chemicals that irritate the gums and can cause gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, which can cause bleeding. 

• Periodontitis

If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis causes your teeth to loosen by pulling the gums away from them. As a result, the teeth can eventually fall off as they are not supported by tissue.

• Tooth Infection

Sugar deposits in the oral cavity can cause bacterial infections. These infections can affect the integrity of your teeth and gums and negatively impact your overall oral health.

Therefore, if you want to preserve your oral health, it’s best to avoid sugary foods or at least limit the intake of such foods.

If you need any assistance with your dental health issues, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. McConnel by calling (435) 249-0482 or visiting McConnell Dental at 263 Country Club Dr #102, Stansbury Park, Utah 84074.