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Dental Health and how Candy Affects it
You’ve heard all your life (from your dentist, your doctor, your parents… pretty much everyone) that candy is bad for your teeth. Eating too much candy can result in “rotting” your teeth, but what does that really mean and how can something that tastes so good be so bad for you? Well, everyone here at Cosmetic Dentists of Houston believes that patients need to know the score so that they can maintain their dental health. After all, the best kind of patient is an educated patient.
There are naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth, and they love to eat sugar as much as anyone else. However, unlike the rest of us, this bacteria breaks the sugar down into acids that will eat away at the enamel of your teeth. The visible parts of your mouth are usually pretty safe from the acids. This is because they get washed away whenever you drink water or brush your teeth. The problem areas are the crevices. When sweets get stuck in there, the bacteria have more time to break them down.
That’s what it comes down to: How much time do the bacteria have to work? How much sugar you eat isn’t always what determines whether you get a cavity. It has more to do with how long the sugar sticks around and how long the bacteria can do their thing. This is why caramel and other soft, sticky candies are particularly bad for your teeth. They get stuck in your teeth and tend to overstay their welcome.
The only surefire way of preventing this breakdown of sugars is not to eat candy at all, but seriously who wants to do that? People eat candy, and no one expects them to stop. Instead, here are some tips to help you maintain your dental health AND your love for candy:
Brush: Try brushing at least three times a day. If you can, brush right after you eat candy.
Wash: Use water to wash your mouth out. This will help clean the visible areas of your mouth.
Floss: Floss at least once a day.
Go Sugar-free: Many candies have a sugar-free version, and the bacteria in your mouth can’t break down the sugar substitutes.
However you go about it, Cosmetic Dentists of Houston and Dr. Amanda Canto are here to help you maintain your dental health! Be sure to schedule your regular teeth cleaning or just come in to see what we can do for you.
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