Taking care of your smile involves a number of moving parts. From attending your routine checkups to preventive care at home and every step in-between, the process is not as linear as most make it out to be. As such, it is also extremely important that we take every step we can to provide the protection necessary to fend off regular threats. But what exactly should we be looking out for? In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS prosthodontist explains how sugars in candy can cause dental decay and other concerns, as well as what to keep in mind this holiday season.
Too Much of Something
This past almost two years have been filled with stress and anxiety for everyone as the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic took hold of the world. Now that things appear to be getting better, however, many people are attempting to regain that sense of normalcy and carry on with life. The fact that the holiday season is upon us – which will be the first “normal” one in almost two years – means that many patients will likely have social plans.
Indeed, the latter three months of the year are often people’s favorites, as they get to take a break from school or work, travel, gather with loved ones, and of course, enjoy delectable meals and treats.
It goes without saying though that too much of something can be bad, and sugary treats are not foreign to this concept. With Halloween coming up this month, your prosthodontist warns against too much sugar intake, as it can heavily affect your oral health. To learn more about this process and the steps you can take, give us a call today.
The Link Between Candy and Tooth Decay
Sweet treats are a great indulgence every once in a while, but too much can harm your smile. This is all thanks to the most common oral health threat out there, which is tooth decay. You see, this process begins when oral bacteria produce a destructive acid that wears away your protective layer of enamel. Once it is gone, it is gone for good, and infection can freely spread. Without care, this leads to cavities, infected teeth roots, and even tooth loss.
So, how does sugar play a role in all of this? Well, bacteria are pretty fond of sugars, and when they come into contact with it, it causes them to produce the acid at a much more rapid rate, essentially catalyzing the process.
Steps to Consider
This Halloween season, we recommend treat consumption in moderation. We also recommend cleaning your teeth after the fact so as to remove leftover deposits of sugar.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact Dr. Stuart Dexter, Prosthodontist in Prairie Village, KS by calling 913-362-8200 to learn more about the dangers of too much sugar, and schedule your next visit with our team today.