A bright smile can go a long way in brightening someone’s day, and healthy, white teeth are a valuable addition to that smile. However, neglecting dental care can lead to tooth decay over time. Consuming too much sugar is linked to declining oral health and can cause various dental and gum diseases. Additionally, if one has diabetes, these health issues may take longer to heal. Below are some signs of dental problems caused by excess sugar.

Abscess
According to experts, sugary beverages like soft drinks give rise to certain acids in the mouth, which may combine with oral bacteria, causing dental abscesses. These abscesses typically cause considerable discomfort and involve reddening within and outside the mouth.

Cavities
When sugar enters the mouth, oral bacteria break it down, producing acid that can harm the tooth enamel and dentin, causing cavities. Food particles entering these cavities can cause further tooth decay and other dental problems. Therefore, a diligent oral health routine must be followed to avoid the formation of cavities caused due to excessive sugar.

Plaque
It’s important to keep your teeth clean to prevent the buildup of plaque or tartar, which can lead to dark stains, bad breath, and even bleeding gums. Sugary foods can be particularly problematic, as they combine with oral bacteria to form tartar, which can cause tooth decay and other dental issues. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can help keep your teeth healthy and free of tartar buildup.

Teeth sensitivity
Excessive sugar intake can cause the weakening of one’s enamel over time, which may trigger teeth sensitivity. When one consumes extremely hot or cold foods, sharp, intense pain in the bones is a sign of teeth sensitivity.

Gum disease
Sugary beverages may enter the gaps between one’s teeth, giving rise to bacteria in these areas. Such bacteria cannot be eliminated quickly, even with regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. Over time, such accumulation of bacteria can give rise to gum diseases like gingivitis, which inflames the gingiva or the part of the gum surrounding the base of one’s teeth. Gingivitis is characterized by symptoms such as swelling and irritation and is the nascent stage of gum disease. Thus, one should limit the intake of not only desserts and sugary foods but also sugary beverages and soft drinks.

Teeth damage and brittleness
Sugar causes damage to teeth enamel, which, over time, can cause teeth brittleness and weakness. Although dental procedures like dental implants can help in such situations, these are typically expensive. Hence, it is best to prevent brittle teeth by avoiding excessive sugar intake and brushing and flossing regularly.

Sugar is a latent part of almost all ready-to-eat foods and foods served in restaurants and eateries. Therefore, replacing such fast foods with fresh meals prepared at home is important. Moreover, one should avoid processed and deep-fried foods, substituting them with healthy snack options like nuts, fresh fruits, and smoothies.

Regular dental checkups can diagnose oral health conditions early and let you treat them before any complications arise. Therefore, it is advisable to go for teeth cleaning sessions at least twice a year to eliminate tartar and ensure oral hygiene. An electric toothbrush can also help remove hard plaque stains and ensure healthy teeth and gums.