10 Signs You Are Eating Too Much Sugar
3. Poor Oral Health
Poor oral health can affect not only your confidence but your overall health as well. There are many different symptoms of poor oral health such as bad breath (halitosis), inflamed and bleeding gums, loose teeth and a dry mouth.
Poor oral health can be caused by a number of different things, like a diet filled with highly acidic and sugary foods, smoking, excessive alcohol and lack of a proper dental care routine. If poor oral health isn’t tended to it can grow worse and progress to periodontitis, which can be much harder to treat. Poor oral health has also been linked to a variety of much more serious conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, premature birth in infants and even arthritis.
Sugar is believed to play a large role in the development of gum disease and other oral health issues. The human mouth is naturally full of hundreds of beneficial bacteria, but there are certain types of bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food we eat, creating a type of acid that slowly eats away at the enamel on the teeth. Over time, this creates cavities which, if left untreated, can progress deep into the layers of the tooth, causing pain and potential loss of teeth.
If you’re noticing your oral health is on the decline, take a look at your diet and lifestyle. Avoid things like smoking and consuming too much alcohol, but most importantly, cut down on sugar and incorporate more vegetables, fruits, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. The vitamins and minerals found in these foods will help strengthen your teeth and gums, and with the proper steps, you can slowly reverse any signs of damage.
