Beware! Sugary Foods Cause Tooth Decay

February 9, 2023

With Love Day just around the corner, there is every possibility to binge-eat chocolates, candies, and all kinds of desserts. But did you know that these foods could cause your teeth to decay? 

With Love Day just around the corner, there is every possibility to binge-eat chocolates, candies, and all kinds of desserts. These food items are extremely high in calories and rich in added sugars. It is well-known that regular consumption of foods rich in added sugars could put you at risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke, but did you know that these foods could cause your teeth to decay? 

Most of the world’s population is affected by dental caries (tooth decay), making it the most prevalent of all health conditions. High levels of dental caries occur in middle-income countries, where sugar consumption is increased. The majority of dental caries occurs in adults because the disease is cumulative. Dental caries develop over time. The loss of tooth substance (enamel and dentine) is caused by acid production resulting from bacterial metabolism of sugars. Early stages are often without symptoms, but advanced stages of dental caries may lead to pain, infections, abscesses, or even sepsis. For more information, visit the WHO website

So how do you prevent this from happening? Dental caries results from lifelong exposure to free sugars in the diet; even a slight gradual reduction in the consumption of foods rich in added sugars is of significance later in life. Annika Simon, DDS, often reminds her patients to avoid coffee with flavored syrups or sugar and caffeinated energy drinks with lots of sugar for better dental health and hygiene.

 If you are currently experiencing issues related to your dental health and hygiene, please schedule your appointment at Boynton Health Dental Clinic by calling 612-624-9998. Boynton Health Dental Clinic provides comprehensive dental care for University students, staff, and faculty. It is open for routine maintenance, dental hygiene, and specialty procedures. A dentist can answer your questions, assess your situation, prescribe medications, and help you should you need urgent attention. Boynton Health Dental Clinic offers a 25 percent discount on initial and follow-up exams to students who have paid the Student Services Fee. A discount on X-rays for those students will vary depending on the extent of the X-rays required. Ask the front desk staff about the discount when you make your appointment. Visit the Boynton Health Dental Clinic page for more information! 

 

Written by: Nikita Kamath

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