Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Feeding the Foe

Research proves that there is a direct correlation between sugar intake and dental plaque formation.  Tooth decay and gum disease are basically caused by dental plaque, it's really just that simple.


Dental plaque is the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth.  This dental plaque is a combination of bacteria, sugars, and foods.  When left on the teeth, dental plaque will turn into destructive acids.  It is these acids that cause damage in the mouth through tooth decay and gum disease.  If the sticky foods which contain sugar were consumed less frequently, or preferably, eliminated from the diet, then tooth decay and gum disease would decrease significantly.

For your good dental health, be on the look-out for foods that have a high nutritional value and do not include sugar.  Raw fruits and vegetables are good choices as well as snack foods like tomato juice, peanuts, celery, carrots, and popcorn.  Get in the habit of checking product labels for added sugar.  A close look at the label will tell you whether or not it contains sugars.  When checking the labels, remember that sugar may also be listed as corn syrup, sucrose or dextrose.

Sucrose is the primary villain.  Sucrose or table sugar is known to contribute greatly to dental plaque formation because it is so easily metabolized by bacteria.  Plaque must be on the teeth in order for tooth decay and gum disease to begin.  It is true that people need sugar for energy, however it is not necessary to get it from sucrose-laden foods.  There are plenty of foods that have more complex natural sugars that bacteria cannot metabolize so readily to acids in the mouth.  Substitute peanuts, popcorn, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables for candy, cookies,  pies and soft drinks.


You are in charge of your dental health on a daily basis.  Success in a lifetime of great oral health depends on you.  Eat a balanced diet with good control of sucrose sugar intake to help build a healthy diet. And, visit Adult Dentistry of Rochester for regular check-ups to partner with your dental hygienist for the support that will assure success.

Tags: Dental Health, Dental Plaque, Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, Dental Hygienist

5 comments:

  1. That is why it is very important to brush your teeth after every meal. If you can't do this, chew sugarless gum if not make sure you at least rinse your mouth out with water;this way you are not letting the sugar stay on your teeth.

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  2. Brush & Floss After Every Meal. It really does work!

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  3. With our busy lifestyles we don't always take the time to look at labels. Plus a lot of time we are eating on the run. Therefore it is very important that we commit to brushing our teeth after each meal to avoid the build-up of plaque. Plaque begins to reform on our teeth as soon as we finish brushing it takes approximately 12 hours to build up on our teeth so we can see it but the acids have been doing their damage throughout that time. This is why it is important to commit to ourselves to do a better job.

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  4. You should brush for a least two minutes, twice a day.Keep you brush head at a 45 degree angle.Use short gentle strokes and see you dentist regularly.

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  5. Teeth is very sensitive part which needs to be taken care as early as possible. Follow the basic dental guidelines ie brushing, flossing, rinsing, and avoid any acidic drink. For regular and efficient dental check ups North Vancouver Dentist is there to help you to get a healthy dental life.

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