Can summer treats damage your teeth?
July 18, 2021 6:02 pmIt’s summer! While that usually means holidays and fun, it’s not the time to relax your dental care. Summer is full of treats that, while tasting delicious, can be risky for the health of your teeth and gums.
Why are some treats bad for my teeth?
It’s all about your sugar intake. That’s because ‘bad’ bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, producing acid that damages the protective enamel on the outside of your teeth, in a process called demineralisation.
Which treats should I avoid?
Sugar is found in sweet food and drink, like ice cream, sweets, and fizzy drinks. Your dentist will tell you that even sugar-free fizzy drinks are not entirely guilt-free, because they often still contain different acids that attack dental enamel. So it’s very important to think about when and how much sugar you or your children are consuming.
Are there any other effects?
Very cold food and drinks can make sensitive teeth feel even worse. Over time, the repetition of consuming sugar and creating acid in the mouth can lead to erosion of the tooth enamel, with the decay leading to tooth cavities. If left untreated by a dentist, you could even lose a tooth.
How can I manage my treat intake?
There’s no need to stop having treats altogether. The golden rule is – the longer sugar is in your mouth, the more damage it can do. If you want to have an ice cream or a fizzy drink, try to have it in one go – don’t spread it out over an afternoon. Outside of treat time, to keep cool, avoid fruit juice and instead have cool or iced water (but don’t crunch on the ice!). Drinking water has benefits for your whole body, and not just your teeth and gums!
What do I do if I have tooth decay?
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain, then it may be a sign you have tooth decay.
Book a dental appointment to get it checked out. The dentist will be able to treat it and stop any further damage. Or, if you just have sensitive teeth, the Drs. Nicolas & Asp – the best dental clinic in Dubai can make some sensible recommendations.
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