How Does Sugar Effect Your Teeth

We are all slowly becoming aware of the fact that consuming large amounts of sugar can wreak havoc on our overall health.

We have also heard how sugar can be devastating to teeth and oral health.

So this leads us to many times wonder how sugar can be so harmful?

Sugar being part of so many foods and drinks that are regularly consumed, it’s important to understand why it should be avoided the best one can.

Here are several ways to explain how sugar is bad for oral health, and what you can do about it.

Mouth, A Battleground

The mouth is the major entry point for the majority of things that we put into the body.

All the food and drinks consumed by us enter through the mouth, so the mouth actually acts as a battleground between beneficial and harmful bacteria.

Harmful acid is produced in the mouth by these harmful bacteria whenever they encounter or digest sugar.

So every time sugar is consumed, these bacteria produce more and more acid that eats away at the teeth.

The saliva in the mouth does fight this damage. However, consuming large amounts of sugar leads to more acid in the mouth than can be handled by saliva alone.

Mineral loss is caused in the shiny, protective layer around teeth called the enamel with the repeated acid attacks on the teeth, weakening and destroying the enamel, over time.

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the two destructive types of bacteria found in the mouth and both these bacteria feed on sugar and form plaque, the sticky substance that forms on the teeth.

If this plaque is not cleaned by the dentist and is allowed to sit on the teeth or is not washed away by brushing or saliva, the environment of the mouth becomes acidic, eating away at the enamel on the teeth.

Sugar Attracts Bad Bacteria

Sugar not only creates enamel-eating acids but also attracts tiny bacteria that can cause gingivitis and gum disease.

The gums can recede away from the teeth because of this disease and the protective tissues that hold the teeth into place can also be destroyed.

Effects of Solid Sugars on Teeth

More foods than we actually realise contain sugar. Besides the natural sources of sugar, like fruits, vegetables, and honey, sugar can also be consumed by eating ordinary snacks like chips and cookies.

Foods with high amounts of white processed sugar are especially damaging as these foods can leave a sticky residue on the teeth that is too strong for the saliva to wash away.

Regular brushing, flossing, mouth wash, and dental cleanings can help get rid of their residue.

Moderation should be practiced in all kinds of sugar consumption as frequent snacking on foods high in sugar increases the amount of time the teeth are exposed to the dissolving effects of these acids, eventually causing tooth decay.

Effects Of Sugary Drinks On Teeth

Soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks and juices are the most common sources of liquid sugar and high levels of acids that can cause tooth decay.

Studies show that drinking 1–2 sugar-sweetened beverages in a day can contribute to a 31% higher risk of cavities.

It is partly because teeth are exposed to harmful effects of sugar for a longer time, due to this habit, giving the harmful bacteria more opportunity to damage them.

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