As children, many of us were warned about the dangers of too much candy and sweets. Our parents would tell us that too much sugar would rot our teeth and lead to cavities. But what is the connection between sugar and cavities, and why does it matter? The more you know about how sugar affects your teeth, the better you can protect them from lasting damage. 

Your Mouth is a Complex Environment

In your mouth, there is a multitude of bacteria–both good and bad. With a balanced diet and good oral hygiene, the bacteria will remain in harmony. However, there is a complex interaction that occurs between the bacteria and the food we eat. When we eat sugary foods, the bacteria in our mouths feed on the sugar and produce acid. Unfortunately, this acid can erode the protective enamel on our teeth, making them more susceptible to decay.

In addition, sugar can also lead to dry mouth, which is another major risk factor for cavities. Saliva helps to neutralize the acid in our mouths and wash away food particles, reducing the risk of tooth decay. However, a dry environment causes us to lose this protective effect. Therefore, our teeth are left vulnerable to attack.

Protecting Your Teeth from Decay

So how can we protect our teeth from the harmful effects of sugar?

The first step is to limit our consumption of sugary foods and drinks. This includes obvious sources of sugar like candy and soda. However, it also includes less obvious sources like fruit juice, sports drinks, and even some types of milk.

It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly. You may consider adding mouthwash to your routine. Importantly, you should continue to visit Dr. Parniak for regular checkups and cleanings. These habits can help remove the bacteria and food particles from our mouths, reducing the risk of cavities.

If you do consume sugary foods, it’s important to rinse your mouth with water afterward. However, you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Brushing too soon after eating sugary foods can actually spread the acid around your mouth, increasing the risk of enamel erosion.

In addition, there are some foods and drinks that can actually help protect your teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. For example, dairy products like cheese and yogurt contain calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can also help clean your teeth and stimulate the production of saliva.

Finally, there are some dental treatments that can help protect your teeth from the effects of sugar and reduce the risk of cavities. Fluoride treatments, for example, can help strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Dental sealants can also be applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped in the pits and grooves.