Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Sugar and Tooth Decay

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Today the role of sugar in the formation of tooth decay is obvious - but many years ago the situation was a little different.

Recently it was discovered that the sugar industry influenced research into the eradication of dental caries (cavities) in the 1960's and 1970's. The industry helped shift the focus of research from reducing sugar intake as a way to prevent cavities to "alternative" strategies, including a tooth decay vaccine, that still let people eat as much sugar as they wanted. Needless to say, none of these alternatives were successful.You can read an article about this here http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/03/11/392092490/how-big-sugar-steered-research-on-a-tooth-decay-vaccine

Sugar is the perfect food for the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay. The bacteria eat the sugar and then create acids that attack the tooth enamel. Since sugar is sticky it tends to adhere to the teeth and isn't washed away by saliva as quickly as other substances. Avoid tooth decay and needing a filling by staying away from sugary stuff and brushing and flossing every day!

Protect your smile and your overall health by reducing sugar consumption. Since we each eat almost 150 pounds of added sugars each year, any reduction will help.

If it has been a while since your last dental checkup or you think you might have a cavity, please contact Dr. Kenneth A. Mogell at 561-394-9000 today.

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