I’ve worked nights for years and use energy drinks to keep me going. After 15 years, I have had some serious tooth decay from the sugar in the drinks. My gums are swollen and bleed when I brush and floss. Am I at risk of losing all my teeth? I know that I need to see a dentist. I’m just so exhausted and sleep through the day until it’s time to eat, get dressed, and return to work. Thanks for your help. Nikki from TN

Nikki,

You have a challenging schedule. We commend you for recognizing that you need dental care. However, prompt action can help preserve your teeth and prevent the need for dentures.

How Can You Minimize the Effects of Sugary Drinks on Your Teeth?

Sugary drinks become harmful when they linger in your mouth. Decay often appears around the necks of back teeth, particularly on the inside of the lower molars, where sugar and bacteria collect easily.

Frequent sipping without swallowing gives bacteria repeated opportunities to flourish. Even after getting tooth fillings, the same habit can cause decay to return around the margins of the fillings.

You don’t necessarily need to eliminate these drinks. Adjusting how you consume them can dramatically reduce their impact on your teeth.

• Drink in fewer, larger swallows
• Avoid holding the liquid in your mouth
• Minimize all-day sipping
• Drink more water and rinse your mouth with water after drinking something sugary

Do Sugary Drinks Cause Bleeding Gums?

Bacterial buildup at the gumline causes gingivitis. Consuming lots of sugar breeds bacteria. Fortunately, gingivitis often improves with consistent care. Left untreated, it can progress to more serious periodontal disease.

Avoiding the gums when brushing may feel protective, but it allows bacteria to remain. Gentle brushing at the gumline, daily flossing, and routine professional cleanings remove the bacterial irritants so the tissue can recover.

Please prioritize scheduling a dental cleaning and exam.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.