When you bathe, you coat your body in cleansing water. When you drink the majority of juices, soft drinks and energy drinks on the market, you bathe your teeth in sugar. That is a startling way to view the consumption of sugary drinks and its detrimental to both your oral and physical health!
Would you ever just eat 9 teaspoons of raw sugar? Or let your kids ? Well, that is what you do each time you drink a 12-ounce can of cola. There are about 50 grams of sugar in a quarter cup, so you are close to consuming a little less than a quarter cup of sugar each time you drink a 12 oz. can of cola.
Imagine what 9 teaspoons of sugar is doing to your teeth.
If you rarely drink cola, but opt for energy drinks, vitamin water or juices instead, you are probably not reducing your sugar intake by as much as you may think. Also, think about how much juice your kids may consume. If you glance at the nutrition label on the backs of some their favorite drinks you may be shocked to find exactly how much sugar is in 1 bottle. The grams of sugar may range from 20 – 90 grams of sugar per serving depending on the brand and type of juice!
How does that sugar affect your teeth? According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health,
“when a tooth is exposed to acid frequently — for example, if you eat or drink often, especially foods or drinks containing sugar and starches — the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.” read more
Reducing the sugar in the beverages you drink, and in the foods you eat, are both key to reducing your chances of tooth decay. That’s why it is important to pay attention to nutritional labels, in your mind converting each 4 grams of sugar in food or drink to a teaspoon of sugar.
Re-framing your sugar intake in this way can help you make better, healthier choices, which will ultimately benefit not just your waistline, but also the one precious and irreplaceable set of teeth that you have. Taking care of your teeth begins with good oral health care and practices.
Sedki Dentistry, Commerce MI is a complete family dental clinic that offers services for all dental health concerns. Dr. Sedki and his experienced staff are professional and committed to providing uncompromising care to their patients. Maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile is their goal. Call Sedki Dentistry today and get started on a healthy, beautiful smile!