The Effects of Sugar on Your Teeth

Graphic of cupcakes and treats.

When someone loves sugary treats, we might say they have a “sweet tooth.” Foods like ice cream, candy, baked goods, and more can bring joy to our lives, but the effects on our teeth aren’t so great! What should you know about sugar and teeth?

What Happens in Your Mouth When You Eat Sugar?

Lots of bacteria live in your mouth. Some of the bacteria are harmless, but other kinds constantly form a sticky substance on your teeth known as plaque. When the bacteria in plaque feed, they produce acid that chews at your tooth enamel and creates cavities! What does this have to do with sugar? The bacteria in plaque eat sugar. Whenever you have something with sugar (that includes anything with carbs, too, like pasta and bread), you’re feeding the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

How Can You Protect Your Teeth From the Effects of Sugar?

You can’t eliminate all carbs and sugar from your diet, but you can reduce its effect on your teeth. Not eating as many desserts is a good start, while cutting back on sugary drinks like soda is also beneficial. Don’t forget about great oral hygiene! Brushing, flossing, and routine visits to the dentist help prevent cavities. If we find a tooth at high risk of tooth decay, improved oral hygiene may stop a cavity before it forms.

Visit Queensboro Plaza Dental Care in Long Island City, NY for Great Dentistry Services

Even if you don’t eat that many sugary treats, you’re still eating sugar in other forms. The bacteria in your mouth don’t discriminate, so it’s very important to brush, floss, and visit our team for regular cleanings and exams! We’re also happy to offer restorative services and cavity treatments. Have questions or want to schedule an appointment? Please contact us today!

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Image by Josef Mikulcik from Pixabay

Patient Reviews

Karoline PammerKaroline Pammer
20:52 30 Mar 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are extremely competent, friendly and professional. He is very thorough and explains everything very clearly. Finally I feel like I am in good hands when it comes to dental care.
Matt SmithMatt Smith
21:18 05 Feb 22
Great overall experience getting a dental cleaning. Very friendly staff, beautifully designed office, and a comfortable experience watching calming Netflix nature programming while in the chair. Complimentary beverages are in the waiting room and so is a little play area for kids.It felt to me that this was a patient-focused family practice as opposed to a cold, corporate dental mill trying to churn through as many patients as possible.I’ll definitely be coming back here for all my dental needs and I highly recommend.
Sundup SherpaSundup Sherpa
22:07 02 Feb 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are very welcoming and they provide an excellent experience every time I visit. I’ve only been here twice for annual checkups but would definitely consider and recommend this place to anyone who appreciates good customer experience and a very thoughtful approach to making sure that you feel at home. I have some procedures set up for later in the month and I must actually be the only person in the world actually looking forward to a dentist appointment.
Jayrockem GottemJayrockem Gottem
21:27 09 Nov 21
Great place wonderful staff they will be my go too dentist 100%
shawaf alishawaf ali
22:08 26 Aug 21
Very confident after leaving the office that my teeth are in greatttt hands. Above and beyond patient care. Very informative visits. A sense that they genuinely care about patient concerns. Added helpful guidelines I took home with me to reach dental hygiene goals before my next visits. Highly recommended you leave your old scary dentist ! 😁😁
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Queensboro Plaza Dental Care

Queensboro Plaza Dental Care