There’s a lot of confusion out there when it comes to the way the sweetness factor of the foods, beverages, and treats that pass your lips affect your oral health. While it’s certainly important to take note of the way sugar can negatively impact your smile, it’s equally important to consider the fact that “sweet food” is not something you can simply categorize as “bad.” Likewise, just because something isn’t sweet doesn’t mean if falls into a “good” category. Ready for some clarification? We are happy to help.
Avoid Sugary, Not Sweet
Yes, sugar has the immense potential to damage your oral health because the unfriendly bacteria in your smile like to eat it. When they do, they emit acids into your mouth. The acids weaken enamel and can cause gum inflammation. As a result, limiting the amount of sugar you consume is beneficial. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy gum that’s free of sugar or other sugarless foods that naturally offer a sweet flavor. It’s carbohydrates and sugars that cause the problems, not strictly the way your food tastes.
Don’t Forget Simple Rinsing and Brushing
Whether you’re consuming something that’s good for your oral health or not, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to become obsessive. Even if you’ve just eaten a spoonful of sugar, there’s something you can do to protect your smile: It’s called rinsing and brushing. Here’s how to approach it after eating:
- Rinse your mouth with water (even if that means taking a few sips of water, swishing, and then swallowing).
- Wait 30 minutes.
- Brush your teeth.
