With Halloween approaching this week, many parents are wondering how much candy they should allow their children to have, and how sugar really affects teeth.
Sugar is bad for the teeth because it dissolves the enamel on teeth. Every time you eat something containing sugars, the resulting attack on your enamel can last up to 20 minutes. Sugar on the teeth’s enamel is compounded by the naturally-occurring bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria use the sugar as energy in order to multiply and stick to the surface of the tooth.
As this happens over time, the bacteria turns into plaque and continues to attack the tooth’s enamel. After a while, tiny holes, or cavities, will eventually form in the enamel. Left untreated, cavities will continue to grow and more serious dental procedures will be needed in order to combat the damage to the teeth.
Have more questions about cavities and the effects of sugar on the teeth? Contact the professionals at DentaLux today!
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