What Does Sugar Do To Teeth?

Everyone has heard the line that sugar rots your teeth. It could very well be one of the first lessons drilled into your mind when you were child!

But is it really true? Does sugar really affect your teeth, or is this something parents say to scare their children into eating less candy?

The truth is that YES, sugar really does cause your teeth to rot. Here’s how:

After you consume something sweet, the sugar creates a reaction with the plaque bacteria already on your teeth which produces acid. It is this acid that dissolves the tooth’s enamel, wearing away at it and eventually resulting in tooth decay, cavities, or other problems that will need to be addressed by your dentist.

It wasn’t just a threat! Sugar really is bad for your teeth.

In order to keep your teeth in good shape and to maintain good oral health, it’s important to stay diligent. Here are a few tips to consider to avoid cavities caused by sugar, and to keep your teeth strong for a long time.

Be mindful of your sugar intake

Sugar hides out in high quantities in so much of our food – especially the packaged kinds. That’s why it’s important to read labels and get a real sense of how much sugar you are actually ingesting. You might be surprised once you start paying attention. Here’s a handy conversion: 4g of sugar equals 1 level teaspoon. Once you can visualize it this way, you might be horrified to learn that one can of soda, for example, contains around 40g of sugar. That’s right – that is 10 teaspoons of sugar! 

Other sneaky culprits include many “healthy” snacks – granola and cereals, trail mix, milk alternatives, yogurt. And the next time you buy a bottle of wine, spirits or beer, take a second to check the sugar content. It might surprise you! 

Get regular dental cleanings

As explained, it’s not only the sugar that causes the acidic reaction that eats away at the teeth, but the way that it interacts with existing bacteria in your mouth. In order to get plaque completely removed, and therefore eliminate the other needed component in the chemical reaction, you will need to have regular deep teeth cleanings from your dentist.

It’s also important to remember to maintain your oral health daily. That means brushing and flossing twice a day and at the very least, rinsing after each meal. Removing sugar before it has the chance to react to the bacteria on your teeth will help ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong.

Another reason why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly is so that they are able to see problems as they are starting, and to prevent them from becoming an issue that might even require surgery. 

If you do have cavities or other issues stemming from decay, it’s important to address them right away by following the advice of your dentist. When it comes to oral health, prevention is key! And that means both avoiding foods and drinks that will harm your teeth, and maintaining regular routines to guard against disease and decay.