Chances are that over recent months and years, you’ve heard a lot about sugar acid. Right now, more toothpaste and oral health brands in general are focusing on the apparent ‘hidden’ dangers in the food and drink we consume. That being, the kind of sugar you might not know is present in relatively concentrated amounts. As far as those behind the products are concerned, sugar remains the number-one threat to the on-going health and wellbeing of our teeth. Which in turn prompts the production of increasingly sophisticated toothpastes and related products, which are apparently designed to defend teeth from everyday sugars.
The question being – how do sugar acid protection toothpaste work? Or for that matter, do these pastes actually get the job done any better than any others?
How do sugar acid protection pastes work?
Tackling the first question initially, the answer is yes – sugar acid protection pastes can work. Without getting too bogged down with the science of it all, it is essentially a case of the active ingredients within the toothpaste providing something of a self-defence system for the teeth. The fluoride in the toothpaste binds with the enamel of the teeth, in order to help protect them against sugar acid in the mouth. And of course, fluoride also plays an important role in cavity prevention in general, making it the single most critical ingredient in contemporary toothpastes across the board.
As for whether or not you really need sugar acid protection, the short answer is…yes and no. Cleaning your teeth serves two important purposes. The first being to get as much plaque, bacteria and nastiness out of your mouth as possible – the second being to leave behind a defensive shield to protect your teeth in the hours that follow. According to the manufacturers, sugar acid protection pastes do exactly that – fluoride being the active ingredient that makes it happen. However, given that thousands of other high-quality toothpastes also contain just as much fluoride, it stands to reason that they are just as capable.
The simple fact of the matter is that there hasn’t been enough research carried out specifically into these kinds of sugar acid protection pastes to verify their ‘superior’ protective properties. They definitely work, but perhaps not to a greater extent than various other toothpastes. Time will tell therefore whether it is simply a marketing gimmick, though evidence in terms of the active ingredients used and overall formulas seems to be pretty conclusive.
What are ‘hidden’ sugars?
One of the buzzwords being used by a lot of toothpastes manufacturers right now is ‘hidden’ sugar. Which apparently refers to the sugars in the foods and drinks we consume which we may not be aware of. Of course, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that too much sugar can be bad for our teeth. Sugar is known to cause cavities and a wide variety of other oral health issues – hence the importance of awareness of its presence.
While it’s true to say that our eating habits and diets have changed over time, this alone isn’t enough to suggest we’re all walking headfirst into an oral health disaster. On one hand, there are more excessively sugary and generally unhealthy products on the market than ever before. On the other, the vast majority of people are now having a greater awareness in what they eat and drink than ever before. To such an extent that manufacturers in growing numbers are altering and adding to their standard product ranges with low-sugar or even sugar-free alternatives. Which means that while there may be plenty of sugary and unhealthy food out there, this doesn’t mean we’re eating it habitually and unknowingly.
As for hidden sugars, everyday products like bread, fruit juice, cereals and so on are highlighted as the kinds of offending items we need to be careful of. Not to mention, the kinds of items that also make it necessary to buy and use specialist toothpastes. Nevertheless, common sense would seem to suggest that the answer in fact lies in careful and sensible moderation of sugary foods. Not to mention, practicing good oral health and hygiene habits every day, using high-quality tools and products.
Common sense prevails
Ask any dentist and they’ll tell you exactly the same. That being, that there never has been and never will be a product on the market that represents a miracle solution for outstanding oral health. Instead, it’s a case of combining sensible dietary choices with good everyday oral hygiene. Bring these two elements together and there really is no need to go to extremes, in terms of the products you pick up.
The good news is that if you want to limit the impact sugar can have on your teeth, there are various ways and means by which you can make it happen. Even better news being that it isn’t necessary to completely change the way you live your life, or radically alter your diet. Instead, it’s a case of proceeding in accordance with a few common-sense guidelines, which begin with the following:
- For obvious reasons, anything that contains an excessively high-sugar content should be enjoyed in moderation. Cakes, confectionery, sugary drinks and so on aren’t going to hurt you every now and again, but should be seen more as occasional indulgences than everyday essentials.
- Step up to a higher standard of everyday oral health and hygiene, by investing in a professional electric toothbrush and the very best water flosser you can lay your hands on. Brushing and flossing twice a day with a premium quality toothpaste and remembering to use mouthwash is the single best way of protecting your teeth and gums from all attacks.
- Throughout the day, chewing sugar free gum is one of the most effective ways of fighting and eliminating harmful sugars and acids within the mouth. And it’s particularly advisable after consuming anything with a high-sugar content.
For more information on sugar acid and how you can protect your teeth and mouth every day, ask your dentist during your next routine visit.
