Everyone’s always looking for the next trend — the next fad diet or quick lifestyle change they can make to magically be healthy. However, good overall health is a product of many choices. Each small healthy choice you make is a victory. Plus, most of the positive lifestyle changes are pretty straightforward. You don’t have to add some strange concoction to your morning routine. Simply looking out for a few problem foods can go a long way. One such category, especially during the summer, is sugary drinks.
Sugar has become a common ingredient in many of the processed foods you find in the store. You’re probably ingesting more sugar through your diet than you realize. Sugar provides quick energy, but can leave you feeling empty shortly afterward. It also has some habit-forming properties and can lead to conditions like diabetes when over consumed. One negative drawback you may not have even considered is sugar’s effect on your teeth.
Eliminating Sugary Drinks Helps Oral and Overall Health
Summer is a season of sports drinks and lemonade. When you get hot, you may want a cold beverage that isn’t always water. However, consuming high amounts of sugar (found in soda, lemonades, and many sports drinks) through beverages adds extra calories to your diet for which you may not be accounting. Plus, sugary drinks leave a residue on the surfaces of your teeth. This feeds bacteria and can cause oral health problems. Watching or eliminating your consumption of sugary drinks helps you steer clear of these problems.
Fueled by Sugar, Oral Bacteria Cause Tooth Decay and Cavities
Oral bacteria will always find their way onto your teeth. Brushing your teeth is about disrupting the formation of this bacteria to prevent it from causing tooth decay. Sugar is a food source for this bacteria. When you cut off its easy food supply (by eliminating sugary drinks), the bacteria aren’t as easily able to wreak havoc on your teeth. This one lifestyle change can have many positive benefits for you.
Talk to Your Dentist About Other Ways to Prevent Cavities
If you’re interested in learning about more lifestyle changes you can make to preserve the health of your teeth, talk to your dentist. Your biannual check up isn’t just a time for cleaning, it’s also an opportunity for you to communicate with your oral health professional. To schedule an appointment with Stubbs Family Dentistry, contact the office in West Allis, WI at 414-541-8250.
