Most people think that sugar is largely to blame for poor oral health, especially where teeth are concerned. But in a real sense, if you eat sugar and clean your teeth well, you’re less likely to see any adverse effects. The real problem with sugar on your teeth is what it does when left in your mouth. When you leave sugar in your mouth after eating sugary foods, drinks, or treats, your mouth produces a lot of acid and this is what leads to cavities. Therefore, to keep cavities at bay, you should always brush your teeth after meals, especially sugary meals. You can also help the situation by limiting the amount of sugar you eat.
If you have dental retainers, you have to be very careful with sugar. This is not only because sugar can ruin them, but also because they can trap sugar and make it more difficult to keep your teeth and mouth free from harmful levels of sugar. When you eat too much sugar with your retainer on, there is a chance of staining your teeth, especially if you are not very careful with brushing and flossing. Sugar increases the risk of cavities and you also run the risk of dirt accumulating in it. Such buildups are not only unsanitary, but can also end up weakening your retainers, which means you likely have broken retainers.
It is important to remember that the acid in the mouth eventually begins to eat away at the teeth and this can create pockets where bacteria thrive. Over time, you will have painful erosion and remain susceptible to cavities. To keep your teeth healthy and your retainer in top shape, adopt a good cleaning regimen. It is actually a very simple way to keep dental retainer repair to a minimum because you will have less damage.
Tips for oral health and care of dental retainers
· When wearing your retainers, avoid eating hard, sticky sugary foods. These foods can actually cause them harm.
Reduce your consumption of sugary foods. Remember that retainers can trap food, making it harder to clean plaque and making it easier for cavities to start.
Get in the habit of brushing your teeth well at least three times a day, especially after meals. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste should do the trick to keep your teeth healthy.
In addition to teeth, be sure to also schedule retainer cleaning times from time to time. You can use simple techniques like using a toothbrush and paste to clean them and also make sure they stay in the water when not in use. Find out from your dentist the best way to clean and care for your retainers to do it right and minimize damage.
· Get regular oral checkups with your dentist and be sure to repair broken retainers or replace missing retainers as soon as possible. If you have any problems or concerns with your teeth, you should also see your dentist.
