Is Sugar Really Dangerous for Our Dental Health?

Is Sugar Really Dangerous for Our Teeth? We were all taught from a very young age how dangerous sugar is. Yet despite sugar being singled out, it is actually only one of the factors necessary for tooth decay. So how does sugar, which appears innocent on its own, end up being highlighted so much?

The Real Culprits Are Bacteria

Okyanus Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Polikliniği's Dentist Yunus Dener stated, "Sugar is bad for our teeth, but it is not the sole culprit; the real culprits are the bacteria that love sugar just as much as we do." "Rather than sugar being directly bad for our teeth, what needs to be understood is that the bacteria known as Streptococcus that live and reproduce in our mouth are the real issue. Streptococcus loves sugar as much as our sense of taste does. When we put sugar in our mouth, the bacteria in the environment enter a feeding frenzy. In other words, the longer sugar stays on our teeth, the longer bacteria have to feed. While feeding, they begin to secrete acids, which are the other culprits in tooth decay. These acids eat away at tooth enamel, creating the conditions for cavities and similar problems. So without prevention, there is decay. It is usually our saliva that creates a buffer between sugars and the bacteria that consume them. For this reason, when large amounts of sugar are consumed, we need to brush and rinse our teeth to prevent tooth decay. This method removes excess sugars that saliva cannot handle and helps eliminate bacteria remaining in the mouth. To remove bacteria from teeth and gums that are much more difficult to reach with a toothbrush, make sure to use dental floss once a day. Another method that will help clean our mouth of sugars is using topical fluorides and mouthwash. There are also certain types of chewing gum that contain antibacterial elements and help keep harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay at bay. In summary, whether sugar is bad for our teeth is determined not only by the sugar itself, but also by the person consuming it. It is bad for our teeth if we allow it to be.

How Much Sugar Can We Consume Per Day

Sugar consumption is not a major problem as long as it is not in excessive amounts or the frequency throughout the day is not overdone. Let us not overlook one point: if you are confident that you keep your teeth clean but feel you have gained excess weight, then you should still be concerned. Please do not forget that for a healthy diet, you should not consume more than approximately 150 calories per day (roughly nine teaspoons) of sugar. Of course, do not neglect to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist for routine cleaning and examination of your teeth and gums."