All types of sugar feed the germs in your mouth, leading to lactic acid production, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Ð’?Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach would not dream of expecting patients to cut out sugar all together. Even a meticulously healthy diet has some sugar. By educating yourself on what to look for, you can read the labels…
All types of sugar feed the germs in your mouth, leading to lactic acid production, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Ð’?Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach would not dream of expecting patients to cut out sugar all together. Even a meticulously healthy diet has some sugar. By educating yourself on what to look for, you can read the labels of the foods you eat and make the most educated choices.
Fructose and Glucose
Fructose is found in fruits and root vegetables, so in a natural state, it’s not harmful at all. When processed into high fructose corn syrup, you are exposing yourself to something as detrimental to your dental health as table sugar. High fructose corn syrup is found in many sugary drinks such as fruit punch and soda. Among other sources, glucose is produced by your own body to provide you with energy.
Sucrose
Add fructose and glucose together, and you have sucrose, the most common sugar in the human diet. Often working into your diet as table sugar, sucrose is behind most true “sweets†such as candy. Plant sources for sucrose include sugar cane and maple trees. Try to consume sucrose in moderation as the substance can fuel germs in your mouth to create plaque which later turns into tartar. Don’t forget to brush twice a day and visit Dr. Erpenbach every six months.
Lactose
Lactose does not taste sweet in and of itself. Formed by a combination of glucose and galactose, lactose is most known for its presence in dairy products. Dairy products are also full of calcium which counteracts the fact that lactose contains acid, keeping your teeth safe when you drink milk or eat cheese. Many people are lactose intolerant, however. The consumption of dairy can cause stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if you are highly sensitive to lactose.
Visit your Knoxville Dentist
Don’t forget to�brush your teeth�(or at the very least, rinse your mouth) after eating. Contact our�Knoxville dental office�to schedule an appointment with�Dr. Erpenbach by calling 865-584-8630. We are happy to provide comprehensive dentistry to patients in the Knoxville area.
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