It is the combination of bacteria and sugary foods that cause tooth decay.
Everyone has trillions of bacteria in their mouths. Some of these will form sticky colonies called plaque that stick to the teeth.
As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they produce acids. This acid surge lasts up to 1 hour after eating.
Over a period of time, these acids will erode the tooth enamel resulting in a cavity.
All foods that contain carbohydrates can cause cavities.
Some examples of hidden sugars:
• A 12oz can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar.
• A movie size 64 oz soda contains 53 teaspoons of sugar.
• One can of soda per day in addition to destroying your teeth increases your risk of developing Type II diabetes by 83%.
• One tablespoon of ketchup contains 1 teaspoon of sugar.
• One glazed donut contains 12 teaspoons of sugar.
• Cough syrup and liquid cold medicines contain sugar.
• Fast food french fries.
• Chewable or gummy vitamins.
• Certain brands of chewing tobacco.
• One 13oz Orange Slice Soda has 13 teaspoons of sugar.
• 20 oz Gatorade has 9 teaspoons of sugar.
• 20 oz Vitamin Water contains 8 teaspoons of sugar.
• 16 oz Sunny Delight contains 15 teaspoons of sugar.
• 16 oz of McDonald’s thick chocolate shake contains 21 teaspoons of sugar.
Any sweet candy that sticks to your teeth is especially harmful – e.g. caramels, fruit roll ups, and dried fruit.
Prevention:
• Watch your intake of sugar. Avoid processed foods especially those that contain high fructose corn syrup.
• Brush with a good fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily.
• Floss daily to remove bacteria and debris between your teeth.
• Use a fluoride rinse – once daily.
• Chew sugar-free gum – helps to dilute the acid.
• Get regular cleanings and checkups at your dentist!
A diet rich in carbohydrates not only affects your teeth but your overall health as well.
• Diabetes affects 30 million Americans.
• 1 in 4 adults over the age 65 have diabetes.
• There is an association between obesity and diabetes.
• Between 2001 and 2015, teenage rates of obesity rose over 30%
Diabetics are at a much greater risk of developing periodontal disease. See your dentist if you notice any of these symptoms of periodontal disease.
• Gums that bleed easily.
• Red, swollen, or tender gums.
• Gums that have seemed to pull away from the teeth.
• Pus between the tooth and gums when the gums are pressed.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating.
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
Periodontal disease makes the management of diabetes much more difficult.
