You might have heard the warnings about too much sugar consumption and wondered, "Is sugar bad for your teeth?" The sugar itself does not damage your teeth, but instead, it's the chain of events that follow each bite of a sugary treat. If not addressed, these events could lead to tooth decay, also known as cavities.
Among the hundreds of bacteria that live in your mouth, many are actually beneficial to maintaining oral health. However, certain harmful bacteria feed on the sugars in the foods you eat. During the feeding process, the bacteria create acids that weaken the tooth enamel — the shiny, protective outer layer of your tooth. The enamel continues to erode or develop pits, which are too small to see at first but can get larger over time. These holes in your tooth are called cavities. Without treatment, cavities can progress past the enamel and into deeper layers of the tooth, causing pain, infection and possible tooth loss.
Your teeth are frequently under attack by acids, but the good news is that this damage is regularly reversed—acids leech minerals from the enamel through a process called demineralization. Fortunately, the natural process of remineralization replaces those minerals and strengthens the teeth all over again. Your saliva is a critical player in this process. Saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphates to help repair the teeth. Fluoride — which is found in drinking water and many kinds of toothpaste — is another mineral that helps repair weakened enamel. However, if you continuously snack on sweets and starches throughout the day or suffer from chronic dry mouth, natural remineralization may not be enough to prevent damage.
Eliminating sugar from your diet probably seems like an impossible solution to fighting acid attacks. Thankfully, less extreme habits can assist the remineralization process and help you prevent tooth decay. Follow these tips:
Combine these tips with a consistent oral care routine: brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly. Then you can take care of your smile without saying goodbye to sugar forever.
Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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