Dentists are here again to educate us on why we should take this recommendation seriously. According to them, sugar is at the root of many dental caries and tooth cavities. Consultant Dentist, Dr. Olabode Ijarogbe, says sugar, especially those from starchy foods and carbonated drinks, plays a harmful role in tooth decay.

According to him, debris from sugary foods often hides in the gums, and if not removed via brushing, can clog the teeth and gums, leading to dental decay.

Ijarogbe says, “Normally, we have bacteria in our mouth. The bacteria works on this refined sugar to produce a dilute acid, which results in dissolution of hard tooth tissue. Each time we take much of the high-refined sugar, it remains as substrate at different corners in our mouth and then the bacteria in our mouth feeds on it to cause havoc.

“Sometimes, it also results in swollen gum, which bleeds each time you touch it.”

He notes that tooth decay is not a minor health challenge, as it can degenerate to form abscess in the gums.

You could lose your tooth by eating sugar regularly. Ijarogbe explains that sugar from foods and drinks produces acids that dissolve, damage the teeth and loosen the gums, making it easier for the tooth to fall off.

Experts say as much as we can, we should resist snacking in-between meals. Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Segun Akpata, notes that the residues of these snacks could form bacteria which attack the teeth and gums.

“Dental care is not just about brushing the teeth. Oral hygiene is important to prevent cancer of the mouth, too. Smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption are lifestyle choices we should avoid in order to prevent oral cancer and tooth decay.”

Consultant Dental Surgeon, Dr. Olurotimi Olojede, says 50 per cent of the bacteria that are found in the mouth are formed from sugary foods; and these bacteria often escape into the bloodstream and injure major organs when neglected.

Olojede says the symptoms of many life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and cancer often start in the mouth, and they could have been prevented with good oral hygiene practices.

According to him, poor oral health can lead to low sperm count in men and also increase the chances of a woman having a premature baby or low birth weight babies.

More than 90 per cent of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime, according to the International Dental Federation statistics. Experts attribute increasing incidences of dental diseases to poor awareness on the dangers it could pose to health.

He recommends that one should brush twice a day to get rid of all sugar and food debris they may be hiding in-between the teeth and gums; in addition to paying yearly visit to a dentist as a means of preventing other health complications.

The experts have said it; the condition of your teeth and gums is associated with a host of other health issues that involve your hormones and your heart.

We must, however, note that it is not only sugar that harms our health; there are some other foods and habits we should avoid to keep our teeth and gums healthy at any age.

Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson, Steven A. Ghareeb, offers advice on how to keep your

Not replacing your toothbrush often enough

Not only are old toothbrushes ineffective, they also harbour harmful bacteria that can cause infections. Toothbrushes should be changed every three to four months. “It’s also important to change your toothbrush after you have had a cold,” says Dr. Ghareeb.

Excessively bleaching your teeth

Overzealous bleaching can cause your teeth to look unnaturally white and increase tooth sensitivity. Before using an at-home bleaching product, talk to your dentist.

“He or she can advise you on proper use of these products, as well as which type of bleaching system will provide you with the best results,” says Dr. Ghareeb.

smile healthy and pretty by avoiding these bad oral health habits.

Not flossing

Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but many people don’t realise that flossing at least once a day is just as critical to achieving – and maintaining – a healthy smile. Flossing removes the cavity-causing bacteria left behind from food particles that get stuck between teeth.

PUNCH.