Everyone has bacteria in their mouth. The bacteria sits there and waits for an opportunity to grow. What does it take to give the bad bacteria a boost in growth? The answer to that question is sugar.
Sugar Feeds the Bad Bacteria in the Mouth
Sugar is needed to feed the bacteria. Sugar is a superfood for bacteria and can leave a person needing help from an emergency dentist near me. A person can find themselves suddenly in a lot of pain, with zero warning that an issue with their mouth was about to happen.
Table Sugar is a Bad Idea for Teeth
Just as humans need food to thrive and grow, mouth bacteria need food as well. Sugar is the preferred food for bad mouth bacteria. The bacteria hide in the mouth, and even people that brush their teeth still have this bad bacteria in their mouths.
While there are many natural and lab-made sugars out there, it is the hard crystal type sugar that really feeds the bad bacteria. That little jar of sugar cubes on the kitchen table is not as innocent as it may appear. Cubed sugar and granulated sugar can cost a person a lot in dental fees and should be avoided when possible.
Preventing Bacteria Driven Bad Problems
Again, everyone has this type of harmful bacteria in their mouth, even people that brush perfectly. This bacteria is just a part of life; however, there are steps that a person can take to help prevent the damage that comes along with this bacteria. Step one is brushing their teeth at least twice a day.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Ensure that the toothbrush being used is a soft one, as brushing with a hard toothbrush can harm the gums and tooth enamel. A person needs to floss regularly as well. Flossing helps get rid of the built-up gunk and bacteria that like to hide between teeth.
Step two is to avoid sugar. While healthy fruits and vegetables are filled with natural sugars, they do not contain hard, crystallized sugar. Avoid white table sugar as much as possible. If a person does indulge in sweets, they need to brush after.
Start Using Straws
Step three is to start using straws when drinking. Many times, a straw helps the bad stuff pass the teeth altogether and go straight down the throat. Straws can do a lot in avoiding the feeding of bad mouth bacteria.
Get Teeth Cleaned Regularly
The last step to having a clean and healthy mouth that is as free as possible of bad bacteria is having regular dental exams and cleanings. A dentist can remove a lot of the build-up that people are unable to remove on their own. A dentist can also tell if there is a problem in the mouth and take steps to repair any issues.
Sugar is scary stuff that is a superfood for the bad bacteria found in a person’s mouth. When possible, this food-like substance should be avoided. When it is not possible to avoid sugar, follow the above steps to reduce the damage caused by sugar. By taking preventative measures, a person can work with their dentist to prevent damage to the teeth, gums, and mouth and repair any damage that sugar has already caused.
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