Sugar, Sweets and Trick or Treat! What you need to be Aware of to Protect your Teeth

Sugar, Sweets and Trick or Treat! What you need to be Aware of to Protect your Teeth

General Dentistry

As your Mississauga Dental Clinic, we aim to provide you with information that will aid you in making better choices when it comes to your oral health.  As Hallowe’en approaches, it is important to learn why dental offices are weary of treats that are being given to children.  With the information we provide you, we hope that you will make good choices in terms of consumption and choices of treats to give out and also give to your kids daily in their lunches.  Enjoying Hallowe’en treats is traditional but it doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your teeth and we’ll show you how!

So what is it about sugary treats that is such a big concern in the dental world?   Sugar causes issues with your teeth primarily because it feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. Here’s how it works:

1. Bacteria & Acid Production: When you eat sugary foods, bacteria in your mouth digest the sugars and produce acids as a byproduct. This acid then attacks the enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth.
2. Enamel Erosion: The acid gradually wears down the enamel, leading to demineralization, where essential minerals are leached out. Once the enamel weakens, teeth are more vulnerable to decay.
3. Plaque Formation: The sticky bacterial film called plaque also thrives with sugar. If not removed by brushing or flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which is harder to clean and can lead to gum disease.
4. Cavities: As the enamel erodes, small holes form, which are cavities. Left untreated, cavities can penetrate deeper into the tooth, causing pain, infection, and, eventually, tooth loss.

The type of food or treat also affects its ability to cause issues with your teeth.  When choosing a treat or type of food, it would be good to choose foods that don’t increase the environment that favours the growth of bacteria, acid production and enamel erosion.  This of these factors and how they affect your choices:

1. High Sugar Content: Foods high in sugar (sucrose, fructose, and glucose) provide fuel for bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria convert sugars into acids that wear down enamel and lead to cavities.
2. Stickiness: Sticky foods like caramel, candy, dried fruits, and even starchy snacks (e.g., chips, crackers) adhere to the teeth and stay longer in the mouth. This prolonged exposure allows bacteria more time to produce acid.
3. Acidic Nature: Acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, sodas, and vinegar directly soften and erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Acidic drinks can also reduce saliva flow, which normally helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
4. Refined Carbohydrates: Starchy, refined carbs like white bread, pasta, and crackers break down into simple sugars in the mouth, creating food for bacteria that contribute to acid production.
5. Low pH Drinks: Beverages with a low pH, like energy drinks, sports drinks, and some fruit juices, increase acid exposure on teeth. Drinking these frequently or slowly over time extends the acid exposure.
6. Low Saliva Flow: Foods that dry out the mouth, such as alcohol or caffeine-heavy drinks, can reduce saliva, which is essential for washing away sugars and acids. Saliva also contains minerals like calcium and phosphate, which help protect and rebuild enamel.

For healthier teeth, focus on foods that promote saliva production (like crunchy fruits and vegetables), consume sugary or acidic foods in moderation, and maintain good oral hygiene practices.  Enjoying special treats especially during this time of year is part of the festivities.  Just make sure you you consider doing these after your special treats to help prevent cavities:

1. Rinse with Water: Rinse your mouth with water immediately after eating sugary or sticky foods. This helps wash away some sugars and food particles, reducing the food supply for bacteria.
2. Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which naturally helps wash away food particles and neutralizes acids. Gum with xylitol may also reduce the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
3. Wait to Brush (30 Minutes): Avoid brushing your teeth right after eating acidic or sugary foods, as brushing too soon can actually damage softened enamel. Wait about 30 minutes to allow your saliva to remineralize the enamel, then brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
4. Drink Water or Milk: Drinking water helps rinse away sugars and acids. Milk, in particular, has calcium and phosphates that can strengthen teeth and help neutralize acid.
5. Floss Regularly: Sticky foods can get trapped between your teeth, where they feed bacteria and increase the risk of cavities. Regular flossing helps remove particles in these areas.
6. Snack Wisely: If you’re going to have sweets, try to have them with a meal rather than snacking on them throughout the day. This limits the time your teeth are exposed to sugar and acid and increases the saliva flow that helps protect your teeth.
7. Use Fluoride Rinse: Using a fluoride mouthwash after a meal (if you can’t brush) can help strengthen enamel and offer added protection against acids.

As your Mississauga Dental Clinic, we hope we have provided you with some information that will help you enjoy this season’s festivities while also being mindful of the choices you make when celebrational treats and snacks. Please keep in mind that frequency (how often) per day you consume sugars or acidic treats has a huge impact on the exposure of your teeth to these harmful properties.   If you choose to enjoy a special treat, consider having it all at once and do not eat or drink it throughout the day.  The exposure frequency has a huge impact on the formation of decay or wearing away of the enamel.  We hope that we have provided you with some useful information when it comes to enjoying sweets and treats during this Hallowe’en season.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (905) 278-4297 or through email at dentistry@creditriverdental.com and one of our dental team members will be more than happy to assist you.  We hope that you enjoy this holiday season and have a safe and happy Hallowe’en!!!