Is Sugar Really That Bad For Your Teeth?
There is a lot of chatter when it comes to the subject of sugar and your teeth. That’s why our dentists here at the McGinty Dental Group , your best choice in oral health care for a biological dentist in Denver, care about bringing the news to patients on what is actually good for your teeth.
The topic of daily sugar intake can be tough to understand. The most commonly asked questions by patients on the subject are: How much is too much? Is it possible to avoid sugary beverages and foods altogether? How do I cut down?
The answers to these questions may surprise you.
The Un-Sugar Coated Truth
Sugar is not completely avoidable, as it can be found in many of the foods we eat. Even healthy foods, like veggies, fruits, low-fat or skim milk, and products chock-full with protein and vitamins, have sugar in them. Even if we avoid foods that are obviously full of sugar, like chocolate, candy, baked goods, soda and other foods we know are not the best for us, it is nearly impossible to avoid sugar altogether.
What may surprise you is that not everyone processes sugar the same way. Many people may be able to eat more than the recommended daily sugar intake of 5% and it doesn’t affect them the same way it does others.
The daily recommended intake of sugar for men is 9 teaspoons (37.5 grams) and 6 teaspoons (25 grams) for women. This may not seem like a lot, but to give you an idea for comparison, a 12-ounce bottle of Coke has 39 grams of sugar, 12 ounces of sweet tea has 22 grams, and one cupcake has 22 grams of sugar in it.
What Does Sugar Do To Your Teeth?
There is good bacteria and bad bacteria in the mouth. Bad bacteria creates acid, which feeds on the sugars we consume. The acid enables the bad bacteria to consume the enamel on the teeth, creating a hole or cavity and putting a rush on the decay process. This process is also referred to as demineralization.
Sugar also makes it difficult for teeth to stay white, so cutting down on sugar is really important, along with the consistency and effectiveness of daily brushing and flossing, to keep teeth looking clean and bright.
Your Biological Dentist In Denver Has Got Your Back!
Our amazing team of dentists and staff here at the McGinty Dental Group understand the woes of oral health care issues, so we keep our patients up-to-date on the latest in dental technology and treatment plans. Cutting down on your sugar intake and brushing regularly are important factors for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but preventative care is the other side to keeping away cavities.
Regular visits to our office for comprehensive exams, x-rays and cleanings will give you a clear picture for how well your teeth are being taken care of and possible ideas for improvement. Our dental hygienists and assistants will help each of our patients through the proper and efficient practices for brushing and flossing.
Call today for your appointment!