What dental problems begin?
With the cooperation of the patient, the specialist tries to counteract the effects of plaque, a thin film of bacteria that sticks to teeth.
The bacteria feed and multiply by food particles, transform the sugar into acids that attack tooth enamel and cause them to become porous.
Over time, tooth decay occurs when the porous enamel breaks down and creates a cavity or hole. At this stage there is no discomfort, but when the infection reaches the pulp cavity of the tooth, which usually presents a sharp pain.
The plaque-forming bacteria have another way to torment.
If not removed either by brushing, plaque hardens into a calcified deposit called calculus or tartar, which can cause gums to swell and separate from the teeth forming a hollow where they accumulate food scraps, a feast for bacteria that can infect the gums.
You can control this problem with the help of the dentist, but if they seek treatment, the tissue supporting the teeth may become so damaged that they come to fall. More teeth are lost for this reason that tooth decay.
Saliva provides some protection against this double attack of bacteria.
Whether one has taken a full meal or just a cookie, saliva needs between fifteen and forty-five minute to remove food particles and neutralize acids in dental plaque. The amount needed would depend on how much sugar or food debris are stuck to your teeth.
Apparently during this interval is when the teeth are affected.
Thus, the extent of damage does not depend on the amount of sugar eaten, but the frequency of meals and snacks are made fresh. As the flow of saliva decreases during sleep, one of the most destructive things you can do to your teeth is going to bed without brushing after eating sugary foods or drinks.
Moreover, it is said that chewing sugarless gum after meals increases saliva flow and helps protect teeth.