Americans tend to consume almost double the recommended amount, six to nine teaspoons, of sugar a day. While you’ll find sugar in obvious places like soda, candy, and other sweets, it can hide in places you wouldn’t expect as well, like bread and salad dressing. Sugar can be harmful to your oral health, therefor being conscious of your sugar intake will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. For more information on maintaining your oral health and dental services in Columbia, MD, Columbia Smiles can help, call us 410.690.4855 today.
Is Sugar Bad For Your Teeth?
Your saliva mixes with the sugar in foods you consume, to create a food source for the bacteria living in plaque. This bacteria uses sugar to create acids. The acids generated, slowly eat away at your tooth’s enamel, eventually resulting in tooth decay,
How Much Sugar Should You Eat?
Your sugar intake plays a significant factor in your oral health. If you are eating large quantities of sugar, you are at higher risk for having eventual problems with your teeth. The sugar acts as fuel for acid generating bacteria that corrodes the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. The daily recommended amount of sugar for women shouldn’t exceed six teaspoons (25 grams), and the recommended daily amount for men is nine teaspoons (37.5 grams).
Most people eat more sugar than the recommended amount. It can be difficult to stay within those guidelines since nine teaspoons can be consumed in one can of soda. However, making substitutions in your diet can help you avoid eating too much sugar. Swap soda for water, candy for nuts or fruit, and choose whole foods instead of processed foods whenever possible.
How Much Sugar Is in What You Eat?
You may not think your sugar intake is very high, but you may be surprised. Maybe you don’t eat a lot of pastries, donuts, candy bars, or ice cream, so you think you are doing well with your sugar consumption. However, there is hidden sugar in just about everything we eat. Maybe you start your day off with a refreshing cup of orange juice. If so, you just consumed approximately 23 grams of sugar, which puts you close to your daily allowance.
Something as seemingly healthy as yogurt can have up to 39 grams of sugar if it’s flavored. Cutting down on sugar is a difficult feat, but this can be achieved by moving to sugar-free products. Also, chewing sugarless gum is helpful to curb a sweet tooth if you have one.
What To Do If You Consume Sugar
Even your best efforts may put you over the recommended daily amount of sugar from time to time. However, if you are proactive with your oral health care and take the proper steps, you can protect your teeth from harm. Brushing them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush can remove plaque. This is essential after consuming sugary items.
In addition, be sure to visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings. Your dentist will be able to get all those hard-to-reach areas and ensure you don’t have any cavities forming. So, even if you are consuming more sugar than recommended, you can have healthy teeth with a proper treatment plan.
Regular Check-Ups Are Part of Good Oral Health
Scheduling regular dental check-ups is one of the most effective ways to maintain good oral health. These visits allow your dentist to identify and address potential problems before they escalate into more serious issues. For example, cavities, gum disease, or tartar build-up may not always cause immediate pain or discomfort, but they can progress silently if left untreated.
Professional cleanings during these visits help remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing at home might miss, and they also leave your teeth feeling polished and refreshed. Additionally, routine dental exams provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have, such as sensitivity or changes in your oral health. By staying proactive with dental check-ups every six months, you can ensure a healthier smile and reduce the likelihood of costly treatments down the road.
How Columbia Smiles Can Help You
Now is the ideal time to make an appointment for a dental cleaning. At Columbia Smiles, our experienced technicians are ready to assist you with keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Our more than 35 years in practice gives us the expertise to manage all your dental needs. We specialize in a wide range of dental services, some of which include:
Dental implant consultations
Schedule a consultation to explore how dental implants can restore your smile and improve functionality. Our team will guide you through every step, from planning to placement.
Crowns and bridges
Repair damaged or missing teeth with durable, natural-looking crowns and bridges designed to enhance your oral health and appearance.
Dental veneers
Transform your smile with custom-made veneers that cover imperfections and deliver a flawless, radiant look. Perfect for cracked, stained, or uneven teeth.
Root canal consultations
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or sensitivity, our root canal assessment can save your tooth and alleviate discomfort effectively.
Teeth whitening services
Brighten your smile with our professional teeth whitening treatments, designed to remove stains and enhance your confidence.
Tooth extraction consultations
Whether it’s a wisdom tooth or a severely damaged tooth, we will ensure that you are treated by the proper specialist.
Cosmetic dentistry services
Enhance your smile with our full range of cosmetic dentistry services, including veneers, whitening, and more, all tailored to achieve your perfect smile.
Schedule an Appointment Today at Columbia Smiles
Sugar can harm your teeth, and staying on top of your oral health can prevent cavities from forming. Contact Columbia Smiles at 410.690.4855, or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment today.
