What does sugar do to your teeth

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Call our office at For example, studies have shown that a select group of harmful bacteria produce acid in your mouth whenever they encounter and digest sugar 1. These acids remove minerals from the tooth enamel, which is the shiny, protective, outer layer of your tooth.

This process is called demineralization. The good news is that your saliva helps to constantly reverse this damage in a natural process called remineralization. However, the repeated cycle of acid attacks causes mineral loss in the enamel. Over time, this weakens and destroys the enamel, forming a cavity. Simply put, a cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay.

If left untreated, the cavity can spread into the deeper layers of the tooth, causing pain and possible tooth loss. The signs of tooth decay include a toothache, pain when chewing and sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold foods and drinks.

Your mouth is a constant battleground of demineralization and remineralization. Nonetheless, cavities occur when bacteria in your mouth digest sugar and produce acid, which weakens tooth enamel. The two destructive bacteria found in the mouth are Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus. Both of them feed on the sugar you eat and form dental plaque, which is a sticky, colorless film that forms on the surface of the teeth 2.

If the plaque is not washed away by saliva or brushing, the environment in the mouth becomes more acidic and cavities may start to form. When the pH of plaque drops below normal, or less than 5. In the process, small holes or erosions will form. Over time, they will become larger, until one large hole or cavity appears.

In recent years, researchers have found that certain food habits matter when it comes to the formation of cavities. Think before you reach for that sugary snack. Many studies have found that the frequent consumption of sweets and sugary drinks leads to cavities 2 , 5 , 6.

Frequent snacking on foods high in sugar increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the dissolving effects of various acids, causing tooth decay. One recent study among school children found that those who snacked on cookies and potato chips were four times more likely to develop cavities than children who did not 7. The most common source of liquid sugar is sugary soft drinks , sports drinks, energy drinks and juices.

Also, an Australian study in children aged 5—16 found that the number of sugar-sweetened drinks consumed was directly correlated to the number of cavities found 9.

This means that drinking a sugary drink more than twice daily nearly triples your risk of losing more than six teeth. Research has shown that the way you drink your beverages affects your risk of developing cavities. One study showed that holding sugar-sweetened beverages in your mouth for a prolonged time or constantly sipping on them increased the risk of cavities 3.

The reason is partly because this exposes your teeth to sugar for a longer time, giving the harmful bacteria more opportunity to do their damage. These are also linked to tooth decay. Because you retain these foods in your mouth for longer, their sugars are gradually released.

This gives the harmful bacteria in your mouth plenty of time to digest the sugar and produce more acid. The end result is prolonged periods of demineralization and shortened periods of remineralization 3. These acids easily dissolve your tooth enamel, increasing your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

Establish a consistent oral healthcare routine to curb the effects of bacteria on your teeth and promote a bright and healthy smile! Processed or refined sugar, like the kind found in candy, ice cream, potato chips, pre-packaged snacks, and soda, is definitely to be avoided as much as possible. But keep in mind that dried fruit, honey, and acidic foods and drinks like citrus can be harmful for your teeth as well if not eaten in moderation. Try to eat more foods high in fiber and protein like nuts, cheese, leafy greens to promote strong teeth, and fresh fruit, carrots, and celery to naturally wick plaque and bacteria away from the surface of your teeth.

Additionally, drink plenty of water during and after eating to promote saliva production and wash away bacteria and residual food particles.

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