Sugar is in more foods than you realize. There are natural sources of sugar, like fruits, vegetables, and honey, but you can also consume sugar by eating common snacks like chips and cookies. Foods containing high amounts of white processed sugar are particularly damaging because these foods leave a sticky residue on your teeth that is too strong for your saliva to wash away. The only way to remove this residue is by brushing, flossing, mouth wash, and dental cleanings.

While you should practice moderation in all sugar consumption, frequent snacking on foods high in sugar increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the dissolving effects of these acids. This causes tooth decay.

Drinking sugary drinks can have an even more devastating effect on your teeth than eating sugary foods. Along with sugar intake, many beverages like soda have their own acidity that's bad for your teeth along with the acids created by sugar. According to a study from Finland published in 2014, drinking one or two sugar-sweetened beverages a day was linked to a 31 percent higher risk of cavities forming in your teeth.

Beverages containing high fructose corn syrup are especially damaging. This sweetening substance, which is found in many sodas and sugar-sweetened drinks, coats your mouth in toxins and creates a sticky film over your entire mouth. Bacteria breed on this film, creating acids and causing cavities.

There is sugar in so many foods and drinks you consume that it may seem overwhelming to find a way to rid unnecessary sugar from your diet. However, you can begin with the most harmful version, processed or refined sugar, like the kind found in candy, ice cream, potato chips, pre-packaged snacks, and soda. Instead, try to eat more foods high in fiber and protein like nuts, cheese, and leafy greens to promote strong teeth.

Also, vegetables like carrots and celery are even better for your teeth in that they naturally remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. Drinking plenty of water during and after eating promotes saliva production and cleans your mouth from bacteria and food particles. (utknoxvilledentists.com)



While consuming large amounts of sugar is detrimental to your oral and overall health, consuming a sugar substitute called xylitol can help prevent cavity-causing bacteria. This sugar-alcohol substance is found commonly in sugar-free gum, sugar-free mints, and different kinds of toothpaste.

1. Sugar is everywhere

It's not just in candy bars or soda pop anymore. Sugar is now added to everything from bread to salad dressing to even toothpaste. And while sugar may seem like a harmless addition to our diets, it actually wreaks havoc on our bodies.

2. Sugar causes cavities

One of the biggest problems with sugar is that it encourages bacteria to grow in your mouth. When this happens, plaque forms and eventually turns into tartar, which leads to cavities.

3. Sugar makes us sick

High levels of sugar have been linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer. In fact, some studies suggest that sugar could be more dangerous than cigarettes.

We know that many of you already know the impacts that sugar has on our bodies, but it plays a huge role in the health of our oral and dental health. at Wexford Dental we know that asking you to give up sugar is both impossible and something that we wouldn't even do ourselves. But by following some simple steps and limiting your sugar consumption you can help keep your mouth happy and healthy. Making sure you visit the dentist every 3-4 months for your scheduled cleanings is very important. Give us a call at 416 222 8296 where we will provide you with affordable dentistry and a clean happy mouth.