How Does Sugar Affect Your Teeth?

Sugary foods and drinks don’t directly cause cavities. What? So, how does sugar affect your teeth then?

When you consume sugary foods and drinks, the plaque bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids. The acids attack your tooth enamel, which then becomes weak … which can lead to cavities.

The American Dental Association says that the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack tooth enamel for up to 20 minutes after you eat or drink. So, if you are drinking sugary beverages or eating sugary snacks all day, your teeth are being repeatedly attacked by the acid produced by the plaque bacteria.

Protect Your Teeth

You don’t have to cut all sugar out of your diet to protect your teeth. However, the ADA does recommend limiting how much you sip and snack on sugary beverages and foods between meals.

Further, they suggest that if you must eat a sugary food or drink, consume it with a meal and be sure to drink fluoridated water.

Look Out for “Hidden” Sugar

It’s not just candy and soda that put sugar in your mouth for the plaque bacteria to feed on. In fact, most foods contain sugar.

For example, fruits and even some vegetables, contain sugars naturally.

Check food labels for added sugar in other foods so you can limit your consumption and minimize your risk of developing excess acid and future cavities.

Maintain Good Dental Habits

In addition to limiting your consumption of sugar, you can minimize the effects on your teeth by practicing good dental hygiene.

These good dental habits include brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly.

Is it time for you to see us? Contact us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lovik Mirzaeian.