Who my mouth sweats, my smile bitter! Learn to prevent cavities
How many times have we heard, especially from children: do you want ‘a rich one’? When this is said, it’s not about a rich gift, but something sweet. The eternal problem is: how to prevent cavities and other directly associated problems?
The truth is that from the youngest to the oldest, everyone enjoys a good treat and even makes the delights of children and adults.
But if there’s one thing our teeth don’t think is funny, it’s sugar. Excessive consumption of this ingredient is one of the biggest enemies of oral health, being responsible for cavities, gingivitis and even tooth loss.
In Portugal, the numbers are worrying! The 2024 Oral Health Barometer reveals that 49.6% of children under six have never been to a dentist (OMD, 2024). The lack of follow-up combined with a diet rich in sugars is creating a true “perfect storm” for the dental health of the Portuguese.
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Sugar: the villain of smile and harm to oral health
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that daily consumption of free sugars should not exceed 10% of caloric intake, but the Portuguese do not seem to follow this advice.
A recent study by the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP) suggests that about 25% of adults ingest much higher amounts. However, one should not think that the blame lies solely with sweets – sauces, packaged bread and even some yogurts are loaded with hidden sugars.
The impact is reflected not only in the numbers on the scale, but also in the teeth. The 2024 Oral Health Barometer reveals that 74.4% of Portuguese people brush their teeth two or more times a day, a decrease compared to 2023 (78.8%) (OMD, 2024).
If we add poor brushing to excess sugar, we have the explosive combination for dental problems.
What happens to the sugar in our mouth?
When we ingest sugar, the bacteria go into ecstasy. It is time for them to take their bellies out of misery and feed on the sugars. In this festive atmosphere they release acids that attack the tooth enamel and give rise to the dreaded cavities.
To prevent cavities and other problems in your mouth, and regardless of whether you are eating sweet or savory foods, you should follow your dentist’s oral hygiene advice.
5 actions that help combat the negative effects of sugar consumption
There is something you can do on a daily basis to counteract the harm that sugar does to your teeth, namely:
- Reduce sugar consumption: Prefer natural foods and avoid ultra-processed;
- Efficient and regular brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste;
- Oral cancer: Tobacco and alcohol are the main risk factors, and their high mortality rate is associated with late diagnosis, as we explained in our blog recently.
- Regular appointments: Remember that even without symptoms, frequent check-ups are essential;
- Pay attention to labels: Sugars hide where you least expect them, from cereals to juices;
- Oral health education: Teach early on the importance of oral hygiene and balanced nutrition.
An important note that cannot be underestimated is that, when we ingest sugars – present in many everyday foods, as we have seen, and not only in sweets – if the brushing is not effective, acid release repeats itself, weakening the teeth to the point of no return.
But the problem does not stop there. Excessive sugar consumption also contributes to gingival diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and even affect overall health, manifesting through our body!
And if we are talking about children, how serious is the problem?
If there is one thing that worries experts, it is the feeding of children. Data from the Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) indicate that a large percentage of Portuguese children consume soft drinks (rich in sugar) and sweets daily.
In addition, the 2024 Oral Health Barometer still indicates that 49.6% of children under six years old have never been to a dentist. If we consider that it is at this stage that the first habits of oral hygiene are formed, we perceive the urgency to change this reality. If you have read this and are curious because you do not know how old your child should be to take him to the dentist, you should pay attention to this article.
Resumidamente, se não tomar as medidas que referimos anteriormente, pode acabar com dores de cabeça que não esperava. Filhos criados cuidados redobrados, mas se de pequeno não olhar à saúde oral deles vai ser surpreendido por despesas que não contava.
Is it sweet? It tastes good, but it requires a lot of care to prevent cavities, and not only that!
Sugar can be a momentary pleasure, but its impact on oral health can last a lifetime.
The data are clear, the Portuguese continue to consume more sugar than recommended and to neglect prevention and dental health for which A Clínica Dr. Pedro Mota can be a valuable ally, in front of this worrying scenario.
However, there are simple and effective measures that allow you to turn the game in your favor. Don’t lose out on what your mouth sweats.
O seu sorriso bonito vale bem mais do que um pedaço de bolo ou qualquer outro alimento que lhe dê prazer. Coma açúcar com precaução!
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