Dentists in SE Calgary work hard to make patients aware of the link between dental health and overall health. Everything we chose to eat has an impact on our body’s health – and that includes the health of your teeth. The rate of dental decay in teenagers and children has decreased over the past twenty years – that’s due in part to more consistent trips to the dentist, fluoride’s presence in toothpaste and mouth rinses, better home care, and healthier diets. But what is alarming is that tooth decay is starting to rear its ugly head again due to – sugar-laden drinks – that young people seem to drink as though it was water.
South Trail Crossing Dental explains that sodas, energy drinks, and vitamin water, packs a punch when it comes to sugar. These drinks contain anywhere from twelve to twenty-four grams of sugar in one serving. Considering that the average sugar intake for a teenager is already high – weighing in at 119g of added sugar a day – eliminating or reducing sugary drinks will help reduce the overall exposure to sugar and go a long way in preventing dental decay.
Dental decay is caused when bacteria that is present in the mouth produces acid that eats away at the tissues of a tooth – enamel and dentin. Bacteria are found in plaque – a sticky substance that forms on tooth surfaces – and feeds on sugar. When bacteria are feeding on the starches and sugars in food remnants that are trapped in-between teeth, or on tooth surfaces, acid is formed. This acid erodes the hard, outer layer of a tooth, called enamel – and causes a cavity. Brushing and flossing daily removes the sticky layer of plaque from teeth – and where there’s no plaque there’s no acid formation on tooth surfaces. Drinking sugary drinks literally washes sugar around the mouth – leaving a thin film of sugar on teeth. If more than one sugary concoction is consumed in a day – the amount of sugar and resulting acid production is increased greatly – and speeds up the formation of tooth decay as acid attacks teeth for twenty minutes or more after eating or drinking.
Sugary drinks should be considered a treat – and not consumed in place of water. It is advisable to limit drinks that contain any form of sugar – either natural or added – as it not only contributes to tooth decay but other health concerns like diabetes. Dentists in SE Calgary care about their patients’ health – not just their smiles – and recommend seeing a SE Calgary Dentist regularly for cleanings, exams, and x-rays so that dental issues can be detected early or prevented. Contact South Trail Crossing Dental today 403.720.2778