‘Tis truly the season for pumpkin spiced everything, from lattes to pies, donuts to pudding. Pumpkin treats are an autumnal staple many people look forward to all year long, and fittingly one they enjoy in abundance during the short time they’re finally “in season.” Unfortunately what often comes along with those rich pumpkin spices is an awful lot of sugar! Sugar that not only adds empty calories, but which can also cause problems for your beautiful smile. If you want to avoid developing cavities this season, here is what you need to know about the role sugar plays in your oral health.
Preventive Care Is More Than Brushing
Preventing dental problems requires regular oral care like brushing, flossing, and regular professional checkups and cleanings. But consuming a well-balanced diet is an equally important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, both because it supplies your body with nutrients it needs, and also because it is not as damaging to your smile.
Sugar is problematic for a number of reasons, but put simply, it allows plaque bacteria in your mouth to increase. This, in turn, can cause unsightly plaque buildup responsible for a host of dental health issues, including cavities and gum disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in America.
What’s A Person to Do?
Few dentists or medical doctors ask patients to completely remove sugar from their diets, unless other conditions require it. However, most patients can benefit from lowering the amount of sugar they consume on an average basis.