Why Sugar is Bad for your Teeth and Health

Sugar is one of the most reliable sources of energy for our bodies. It can be found in both natural and processed foods to varying degrees. Despite the essential function of sugar in providing energy, it still poses some trouble for the teeth and general health when taken in excess. This article will explain how sugar can be bad for your health and highlight how to regulate it.  

Why Sugar is Bad for your Teeth and Health
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Five Ways Sugar Affects The Teeth and General Health

Below are five ways excess sugar can affect your teeth and health.

1. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Excess sugar affects dental by causing gum disease and tooth decay. When you eat food that contains sugar, it mixes up with the saliva and bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria then forms a plaque on your teeth which eventually dissolves the enamel as the enamel is the protective layer of the teeth, this dissolution results in holes and tooth loss. Sugar also feeds mouth bacteria that cause gum diseases. If the gum disease is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Advanced periodontitis affects the joints and organs of the body, such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys.

2. Unstable Glucose Level: Consuming excess sugar will leave you with varying glucose levels. In such a case, your blood glucose goes up and falls irregularly. Varying glucose level usually causes headaches, mood swings, tiredness, and cravings.

3. Organ Diseases: Sugar affects some organs in the body, such as the liver and heart. Excess sugar affects the heart by releasing more fat into the bloodstream or increasing blood pressure. These actions are common causes of stroke, heart attack, and other diseases. The liver can be affected by a simple sugar called fructose. The liver is responsible for converting fructose to fat. Excessive consumption of fructose leads to fat build-up in the liver.  This is very dangerous because it can cause scarring and swelling of the liver. Fructose is an ingredient in a lot of packaged foods and drinks. For those with dietary concerns or sensitivities, it's essential to know about different gluten free sugar types and their potential impacts.

4. Obesity, Cancer, and Diabetes: Drink-containing sugar is known to cause type 2 diabetes. Consumption of sugary drinks typically leads to obesity, a causal cancer agent.

5. Aging and Immune Function: Sugar can affect the immune function of the body. Yeast and bacteria exist naturally in the body and feed on sugar. After feeding on sugar, these organisms are strengthened and then cause infections in the body. Sugar can make a person age faster. This is because excess sugar gets attached to proteins once they enter the bloodstream. This combination causes the skin to lose elasticity, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin. 

Conclusion

Other negative effects of sugar on health include anxiety, stress and chromium deficiency, nutrient deficiency, kidney stones, and gout. If you notice any tooth or health issues from sugar intake, it is best to visit a dentist Marrickville for medical care.