In this day and age, easy access to food is something that most people get to take advantage of. Fast food, sugary treats and cheap drinks are well known for taking their toll on your body – but they can be just as detrimental to your teeth too. Your mouth is the first thing that comes in to contact with your food, and your teeth will be exposed to all sorts of chemicals and ingredients as a result.

When sugar comes in to contact with your teeth, it will begin to breakdown the layers of enamel that guard the structure of your teeth. When this happens, it’s a simple task for plaque to begin to build-up around your gum line, and this can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. As plaque is acidic in nature, it will begin to wear your teeth down, and this event is only enhanced when plaque comes in to contact with sugar.

The chemical reaction creates a very acidic composition, and this can further affect the health of your teeth. When your teeth are unprotected, it’s easier for food residues to take hold – and this is one of the most common causes of tooth discoloration. Beyond staining, the strength of your teeth will be affected, and this is why so many people lose their teeth as a result of poor dieting.

Although a little bit of exposure to the harmful chemicals within sugar could be considered manageable, the fact is that excessive exposure can lead to long term damage. As your teeth are exposed to chemicals on a consistent basis, they’ll soon start to show the signs of wear and tear, before breaking away altogether and leaving gaps.

It’s not just your teeth to be considered either – your gums are incredibly soft, and if they are exposed to abrasive chemicals for too long, they’ll soon start to deteriorate as a result. As your gums consist of soft tissue, they will be prone to absorbing any elements that they are exposed to. What this means is that the more sugar that you eat, the greater the chance of your gums suffering.

Making the Right Choices

When it comes to eating healthily, there’s no medical expert on the planet that would demand that you avoid the pleasures of modern foods. What would be wise however, would be to consume a variety of foods in moderation. The trick is to recognize that extended exposure can result in unwanted side effects – and minimal levels will be easily dealt with by the enzymes in your mouth.

Whichever type of food you prefer to eat and however often, the best way to maintain a healthy mouth is by brushing twice a day, flossing between meals, and drinking plenty of water. Water contains fluoride, and it can help to break down your food between meals – helping your mouth to stay healthy and fresh all day long.