Is sugar bad for you? Sugar in food plays a significant role in developing cavities and tooth decay. Sugar and cavities have a bittersweet effect on your teeth. Sugar doesn’t affect your teeth directly but excess consumption of sugary substances can create bacteria that lead to cavities. When sugar is consumed, it mixes with saliva and bacteria.
The Connection Between Sugar and Dental Health
We didn't listen to our parents when they warned us about sugar rotten teeth due to the consumption of sugar, right? As a result, sugar mixes with our saliva and bacteria and sticks to our teeth, causing plaque and gradual cavities. Sugar and cavities go hand in hand. There is a direct relationship between the consumption of sugar and tooth decay. WHO recommends limiting sugar intake to less than 10% because limiting sugar intake not only helps you avoid oral health issues but also your overall health. Sugar can be harmful to dental health because -
Bacteria in your mouth metabolize sugar to produce acid.
The acid dissolves the enamel of the teeth leading to cavities. The cavities then lead to tooth decay.
How Sugar Causes Tooth Decay
There are many ways to define how much sugar is bad for your oral health.
- Sugar can cause tooth decay when it interacts with the bacteria in your mouth within the plaque to produce acid.
- The stickiness of plaque keeps the acid in contact with the enamel of your teeth.
- This acidic substance creates a hole in the surface of your teeth, causing tooth decay.
- Sugar can lead to gum diseases.
- Children who consume a lot of sugar are prone to cavities and other oral health issues.
- Sugar can even rot your teeth if not treated.
Sugar's Role in Cavity Formation
Sugar does not form a cavity on its own. Cavities are usually caused by bacteria in your mouth.
- When you consume sugar, it gets in contact with bacteria within the plaque to create acid.
- The acid formed and then slowly dissolved with the enamel of the teeth, creating holes and cavities in the mouth.
- Tooth decay caused by sugar can lead to tooth abscesses which may result in tooth loss. Learn more about the consequences of untreated cavities here.
Preventing Tooth Decay While Enjoying Sugar
Is it even possible to consume sugar and not have to worry about cavities and tooth decay? Sugar and cavities together can damage your teeth if not treated early. So, prevent yourself from getting your teeth rotting by:
Limiting Sugar- Enjoy sugar as much as you want but with limitations. If you intake sugar regularly you will be prone to cavities but if you intake sugar within limitation, your risk of getting cavities is relatively less.
Limit Carbonated Drinks- Carbonated drinks have an extensive amount of sugar and we consume it without even knowing it. Carbonated drinks are not only bad for oral health but your overall health at large. You can consume an aerated drink once in a while, but not regularly.
Drink Water- Even if you consume sugar, drink water immediately so that it washes off the sugary particles because these particles produce acid which dissolves with enamel and lead to a cavity.
Choose Sugar Substitute- Choose natural sugar such as fruit. Cranberries, raspberries and blackberries have the least amount of sugar.
Brush daily- If you skip brushing, then sugar can rot your teeth. As doctors recommend, brush your teeth twice a day. However, do not rush into brushing right after having your meal, wait at least 30 mins before brushing your teeth.
Chew Sugarless Gum- Chewing sugarless gum supports healthy oral health.
Learn more about how to prevent cavities with our guide.
Best Practices for Oral Hygiene When Eating Sugar
Consumption of sugar is a common cause of cavities and tooth decay. Keep your sugar intake and tooth decay at bay with the following best practices.
- Brush your teeth regularly with anti-cavity toothpaste from Perfora.
- Floss once a day to remove the food debris from your teeth. Check Perfora’s Power Dental Flosser
- Drink plenty of water daily.
- Chew sugarless gums.
- Eat sugar substitutes such as cranberries, raspberries and blackberries.
- Limit sugar intake daily..
Conclusion
So, the question is, does sugar cause cavities? Yes, it does, but only when you consume sugar regularly and extensively. If you limit sugar, then you will be less likely to be attacked by these bacteria which can eventually lead to tooth decay. Sugar and tooth decay go hand in hand but you can restrict it. Take good care of your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does sugar cause tooth decay?
Answer- Yes, sugar causes tooth decay. When sugar is consumed, it comes in contact with bacteria within the plaque to produce acid. This acid dissolves with enamel and leads to creating holes or cavities.
2. How do you fix sugar-damaged teeth?
Answer- There are several treatments through which sugar-damaged teeth can be fixed. Treatments include fillings to repair cavities, crowns, root canals and dental implants.
3. Is sugar or acid worse for teeth?
Answer- Food with sugar or high acidic levels can damage your teeth.
4. Does sugar cause cavities?
Answer- Yes it does. Brush daily, drink water, and limit sugar intake to not fall prey to cavities.