Who does not adore the sugar rush that a fizzy drink or a piece of candy provides? Most individuals eat a considerable quantity of sugar every day. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends limiting added sugars to 10% of your daily calories. However, many people consume more added sugar than the recommended amount. 

Unfortunately, ingesting excessive sugar can lead to tooth decay symptoms such as dental caries (also known as cavities), gum recession, and tooth sensitivity. The good news is that you do not need to give up sugar. Simply reducing the quantity of sugar in your diet will help you avoid tooth decay. You can consult Dexter dental office to learn more. 

How is tooth decay caused? 

Plaque, a sticky coating of germs, is continually forming on the surface of your teeth. When you consume sugary meals or beverages, the bacteria in plaque make acids. These acids will erode your tooth enamel. The stickiness of plaque maintains these acids in close contact with your teeth, eventually eroding the enamel. This is when cavities may occur.

If plaque remains on your teeth, it hardens and forms tartar, which can lead to gingivitis, the most mild type of gum disease.

When sugars are added to meals to sweeten them, they provide calories but little nutritious benefit. In contrast to the naturally occurring sugars found in fruits and milk, these are referred to as added sugars. Candy, cakes, cookies, and muffins have no nutritious benefits and can cause tooth damage due to their high sugar content. Sugary beverages, such as sodas, juice, sweetened coffee, or tea, are also extremely detrimental since they create a continual sugar wash for your teeth. 

You may question if all sorts of additional sweets promote tooth decay. For example, you may be wondering if dextrose (a form of sugar derived from maize) is unhealthy for your teeth. The answer is yes. While refined sugar, found in sweets or sweetened cereals, is usually the most hazardous, any added sugars can promote plaque and tooth decay. This is especially true when they are eaten excessively.

Preventing tooth decay 

Here are some ideas for naturally healing cavities and preventing tooth decay. 

• Change your diet and limit your sugar consumption. According to studies published in the British Medical Journal, changing one’s diet can prevent tooth decay. Some easy changes may be made to your diet immediately. 
• Consume more calcium-rich foods (such as kale, collards, broccoli rabe, and dairy) to help build your bones and teeth.
• Avoid consuming soda, juice, and high-carbonated beverages because the sugars produce excessive plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to cavities. 

For more tips on how to prevent tooth decay, you should speak to your dentist today.