Hello! Today, we are delving into a topic that is sweet to the taste but potentially not so sweet for your teeth. We often hear about the effects of sugar on our dental health, but the question remains: do natural and added sugars affect our teeth in the same way? So let’s unravel this together.
Understanding Sugars
Firstly, let’s unpack what the difference is between natural and added sugars. Natural sugars just as the name suggests are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and milk. However, added sugars, once again, just as the name suggests are added during the processing of foods and beverages.Â
Our mouth houses many types of bacteria and some of them are extremely conducive to sugar. When these bacteria feast on the sugar left on our teeth, it produces acid, and it’s this acid that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
How Do Added Sugars Affect You?
Added sugars are everywhere, from a can of coke to a biscuit to things you wouldn’t expect like bread. These sugars can cling to your teeth and provide a constant food source for harmful types of bacteria, which ultimately leads to the production of acid and tooth decay.
Additionaly, when you frequently consume added sugars it can also be a significant contributor to gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss which can have a number of effects to your overall oral health, confidence and more. Beyond your oral health, high intake of added sugars has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Natural Sugars vs Added Sugars
So how do natural and added sugars differ from each other. Firstly, it’s important to say that it’s really not as much as you’d think as both types of sugar can contribute to tooth decay if you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene pracitices. However, it’s the way in which these sugars are consumed that usually makes the biggest difference.
Fruits, for instance, contain natural sugars, but they also have water and fibre, which help to cleanse your teeth and gums. Chewing fruits also stimulate saliva production, which is nature’s way of neutralising acid and washing away food particles. However, the foods and drinks that have added sugars usually leave you worse off because they don’t have the benefits of fruits and other healthier items.Â
Are There Benefits to Natural Sugars?
While it’s essential to be mindful of your sugar intake, natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products come with a innumerable amount of health benefits. These types of foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre which contributes to your overall health and well-being.
The fibre in fruits and vegetables also plays a crucial role in oral health. It helps to scrub away plaque and food particles, promoting healthier teeth and gums. Additionally, these foods require more chewing, which stimulates saliva production, helping to neutralise harmful acids and cleanse the mouth.
However, as you’ve probably deduced, the main benefits are really coming from the fact that you’re eating healthy foods that have plenty of benefits to them along with the natural sugars.
Contact South Yarra Family Dental Care Today
- Call us on 03 98671151
- Email us at [email protected]
Pop in and see us at unit 2/ 137 Osborne St , South Yarra, Melbourne.
