If you have a sweet tooth, or constantly crave sugary snacks, then you know how important it is to get sugar to satisfy it. However, have you ever thought of what this sugar does to your smile, let alone your waistline? Enjoying sweet treats every now and then is encouraged, but for those who consume a lot of sugar on a daily basis, it could be causing problems within the smile. Dr. Chong Lee and his team at Galleria Dental Aesthetics in McLean, VA work routinely with patients to help them understand the pitfalls of a high sugar diet.
How does sugar impact my smile?
When patients intake sugar, it does more than just add to their daily calorie intake. Increased sugar consumption also causes an increase in the formation of plaque and bacteria within the smile. If plaque is not brushed off of the surfaces of the teeth after consumption, it can harden into tartar and calculus, which is difficult to remove without the assistance of a dental hygienist. It can also contribute to the development of cavities, which are large holes that can become deep within the enamel and cause infection inside of the tooth.
How can I protect my smile from sugar?
Below are a few tips from Dr. Chong Lee and his team in McLean, VA regarding ways to protect the smile from damage caused by sugar consumption:
- Brush and floss the teeth after enjoying sugary foods and beverages
- Avoid hard candies, which are not only high in sugar, but can break teeth and dental restorations
- Avoid sticky sweets which can be difficult to remove from the teeth with brushing and flossing
- Be mindful about how many sugary snacks you have throughout the day and reduce consumption
Find out if sweets are impacting your smile
If you live in the McLean, VA area and are worried about your sugar intake and the health of your smile, it may be time to book an appointment with Dr. Chong Lee and his team at Galleria Dental Aesthetics. Call (703) 448-1020 to request a consultation visit with our team and discuss your oral health needs. We are conveniently located at 1600 Tysons Boulevard, Ste. #120 and look forward to meeting you!