Beware Sugar can destroy your gums,teeth

According to experts, sugar is at the root of many dental caries and
cavities. Consultant Dentist, Dr. Olabode Ijarogbe, says sugar,
especially those from starchy foods and carbonated drinks, plays a
harmful role in tooth decay.
According to him, debris from sugary foods often hides in the gums,
and if not removed via brushing, can clog the teeth and gums, leading
to dental decay.
Ijarogbe says, "Normally, we have bacteria in our mouth. The bacteria
works on this refined sugar to produce a dilute acid, which results in
dissolution of hard tooth tissue. Each time we take much of the
high-refined sugar, it remains as substrate at different corners in
our mouth and then the bacteria in our mouth feeds on it to cause
havoc.
"Sometimes, it also results in swollen gum, which bleeds each time you
touch it."
He notes that tooth decay is not a minor health challenge, as it can
degenerate to form abscess in the gums.
You could lose your tooth by eating sugar regularly. Ijarogbe explains
that sugar from foods and drinks produces acids that dissolve, damage
the teeth and loosen the gums, making it easier for the tooth to fall
off.
Experts say as much as we can, we should resist snacking in-between
meals. Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Segun Akpata, notes that
the residues of these snacks could form bacteria which attack the
teeth and gums.
Akpata states, "To avoid tooth decay, one must watch the nature of
food that one eats. We have to control the level of sugar, sweets,
chocolates and cakes we eat by reducing snacking in-between meals.
"Dental care is not just about brushing the teeth. Oral hygiene is
important to prevent cancer of the mouth, too. Smoking, tobacco
chewing and alcohol consumption are lifestyle choices we should avoid
in order to prevent oral cancer and tooth decay."
Consultant Dental Surgeon, Dr. Olurotimi Olojede, says 50 per cent of
the bacteria that are found in the mouth are formed from sugary foods;
and these bacteria often escape into the bloodstream and injure major
organs when neglected.
Olojede says the symptoms of many life-threatening diseases such as
diabetes and cancer often start in the mouth, and they could have been
prevented with good oral hygiene practices.
According to him, poor oral health can lead to low sperm count in men
and also increase the chances of a woman having a premature baby or
low birth weight babies.
More than 90 per cent of the world's population will suffer from oral
diseases in their lifetime, according to the International Dental
Federation statistics. Experts attribute increasing incidences of
dental diseases to poor awareness on the dangers it could pose to
health.
He recommends that one should brush twice a day to get rid of all
sugar and food debris they may be hiding in-between the teeth and
gums; in addition to paying yearly visit to a dentist as a means of
preventing other health complications.
The experts have said it; the condition of your teeth and gums is
associated with a host of other health issues that involve your
hormones and your heart.
We must, however, note that it is not only sugar that harms our
health; there are some other foods and habits we should avoid to keep
our teeth and gums healthy at any age.
Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson, Steven A. Ghareeb, offers
advice on how to keep your smile healthy and pretty by avoiding these
bad oral health habits.
Not flossing
Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but many people don't
realise that flossing at least once a day is just as critical to
achieving – and maintaining – a healthy smile. Flossing removes the
cavity-causing bacteria left behind from food particles that get stuck
between teeth.
Brushing too soon after eating
Consuming acidic foods and beverages such as sports and energy drinks,
citrus fruits, wine, and tomatoes, can erode tooth enamel – the glossy
outer layer of the tooth. Brushing your teeth too soon after eating
and drinking these items can cause more damage because you are
essentially brushing the acid into the teeth, not getting rid of it.
Instead, you should rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic
foods and beverages and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your
pearly whites!
Not replacing your toothbrush often enough
Not only are old toothbrushes ineffective, they also harbour harmful
bacteria that can cause infections. Toothbrushes should be changed
every three to four months. "It's also important to change your
toothbrush after you have had a cold," says Dr. Ghareeb.
Excessively bleaching your teeth
Overzealous bleaching can cause your teeth to look unnaturally white
and increase tooth sensitivity. Before using an at-home bleaching
product, talk to your dentist.
"He or she can advise you on proper use of these products, as well as
which type of bleaching system will provide you with the best
results," says Dr. Ghareeb.
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