Now that October is officially here, it's time to fully embrace fall and all it has to offer. Halloween is right around the corner, so for many, this means sugary snacks and treats all month long. While a piece of candy once in a while isn't a huge deal, too much sugar can have a big impact on your smile. It's also important to watch out for the amount of sugar in your drinks as well. Here's what our dentist in Chicago, Il wants you to know about sugar and your smile.

Sugar Causes Bacteria

When you eat sugar, it produces acid inside of your mouth that eventually dissolve and cause damage to your teeth. Sugary and acidic foods stick to your teeth and begin to interact with bacteria inside of your mouth, ultimately forming lactic acid. Keep in mind that each acid attack lasts around 20 minutes, so your teeth are still being impacted after you eat the acidic or sugary item.

Your Enamel is Damaged

Your teeth have a hard and mineralized substance called enamel, and it plays a large role in protecting your teeth from decay. Unfortunately, once your enamel is destroyed, your body doesn't make any more of it, so it's important to do your best to protect your enamel when you can. It doesn't contain any living cells, so it can't regenerate.

Tips for Fighting Decay

Our dentist in Chicago, Il recommends keeping sugar consumption to a minimum to help keep decay under control. If you are going to have a sugary drink, we recommend drinking through a straw to minimize contact between the liquid and your teeth. You can also drink water instead or stick to foods that won't negatively damage your teeth! Schedule an appointment with our team today!

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