Family dentists advise patients of all ages to avoid excessive consumption of sugary beverages. It may seem challenging; after all, everyone loves sweet things and it is only natural that everyone tries to satiate the desire. Just how bad are sugary beverages for oral health and why do family dentists want patients to stop? Continue reading to find out.
Most people know the primary cause of cavities is sugar. It is an important reason to skip sodas and other sugary drinks since most of the beverages available nowadays have lots of sugar. The mouth houses bacteria that love sugar. They feed on them, multiply and rest on the teeth and gums. They secrete acid that will start to eat away at the tooth enamel gradually to cause cavities, which is why family dentists advise against excessive consumption.
Additionally, it is not just the sugar in sodas, but fruit juices too. A glass of fruit juice can contain the same amount of sugar in a glass of soda. Normally, sugar should not make more than 10 percent of a person’s daily calories. Eliminating sugary beverages from one’s diet is the best choice, but starting by reducing intake and substituting them with healthier options that contain less sugar is a good starting point. Some of the better alternatives include water, diluted juice, plain sparkling water, milk and unsweetened tea.
For those who might find it hard to resist a cup of sweetened tea, coffee or juice, there are steps to take to protect the teeth from the harmful effects of sugar. Outlined below are a few tips from a family dentist.
Avoid sipping: Sipping provides bacteria time to feed on the sugar and cause cavities. It is advisable to drink quickly so that the body can clean the harmful stuff. Sweetened drinks or sodas should be consumed in a sitting instead of sipping them over extended periods. If children have to consume juice, they should drink it during meals. Another option is to use straws; it limits contact between the teeth and the drink.
Fluoride is helpful: If the community’s water supply contains fluoride, one can consume tap water to fortify the enamel. Fluoride helps shield the teeth and lower the occurrence of cavities. Additionally, family dentists can offer fluoride treatments to help remineralize the enamel.
Brush and floss: Brushing twice a day is important and so is cleaning between the teeth. The family dentist can teach their patients how to do both correctly. Parents should assist younger children with brushing and flossing to ensure good oral health. Regular dental appointments with the family dentist are also vital.
A good start would be recognizing sugary beverages and the adverse effects they have on dental health. It is advisable to set goals for the family and practice the steps listed above.
A family dentist will advise people of all ages to skip sugary beverages and acidic drinks as much as possible in order to maintain good oral health. Do not forget to visit the dental office regularly for checkups and cleanings.
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