Dental Care in Horsham

You’ve likely had it drilled into you for most of your life that sugar is bad for your teeth. It’s not a secret that too much sugar can rot your teeth, so why is it still such a prevalent issue in our society? Here at Horsham Smiles, we believe it is important for our patients to understand how these processes occur so that they can apply their knowledge and hopefully prevent any dental issues.

Why Sugar Isn’t the Main Cause of Tooth Decay

There is undoubtedly a strong link between excessive sugar consumption and tooth decay or dental caries. However, it is not technically the sugar that directly causes these problems. The main culprit is lactic acid, a damaging substance that lowers the pH level of your teeth and dissolves the minerals in your teeth’s enamel. Lactic acid is produced when the bacteria found in plaque reacts with any sugar that you consume. Its effects on your teeth’s enamel can be disastrous, as enamel is the protective coating that shields your teeth from harm. When this starts to dissolve, your teeth’s protection against harm fades, leaving your teeth exposed and vulnerable to cavities.

How to Avoid the Impact of Sugar on Your Dental Health

Understanding how sugar ingredients affect dental care in Horsham is the first step towards preventing tooth decay. Another step you can take is to limit your sugar intake. In today’s society, it would be extremely difficult and impractical to completely eliminate sugar from your diet. However, small choices can make a big impact. Why not opt for sugar-free peanut butter next time you’re in the supermarket? Or, next time you’re craving a sweet snack, opt for fruit, which contains natural sugars.

Other tips that would be helpful to adopt would be reserving your sugary foods for mealtimes and keeping your snacks as sugar-free as possible. If you decide to consume sugary drinks, try to drink through a straw where possible, as this will reduce your teeth’s exposure to sugar.

The importance of general oral hygiene cannot be overlooked. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day after mealtimes, preferably with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This will remove any plaque and bacteria from your teeth, preventing tooth decay in the long run. Flossing is also an important step in your dental routine, as it will remove any food stuck between your teeth, which could lead to tooth decay if neglected. After consuming sugary foods, it is recommended to rinse your mouth out with water, as this will remove any leftover food or sugar from your teeth.

Come to Horsham Smiles for Preventive and Restorative Dental Care

Hopefully, you now understand how sugar ingredients affect dental care in Horsham. It’s crucial that you follow these tips in order to maintain good oral health and avoid the damaging effects of tooth decay. Aside from these steps, you must also attend regular checkups with your dentist. By visiting Horsham Smiles regularly, you can catch any potential problem before it becomes too severe and treat any issues that need to be addressed. We offer a vast range of treatments suitable for anybody’s needs. For more information or to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Horsham Smiles today.