Sort of. Sugar itself does not cause cavities.

But cavity-causing bacteria use sugar to cause tooth decay.

 
We all know that eating too many sugary foods can harm your teeth and cause tooth decay. However, sugar alone does not cause much damage. Instead, the chain of events that follows eating or drinking that sugary food is what deals the blow to your teeth.

There are tons of harmless and harmful bacteria always present in the mouth. Certain oral bacteria feed on sugars and create acids that can destroy tooth enamel. This process is called demineralization. Minerals in the saliva, like phosphate and calcium, help enamel repair itself. However, repeated acid attacks eventually cause the loss of these minerals in the enamel, which eventually weakens the enamel and creates cavities.

In short, tooth decay causes cavities, which is the result of harmful bacteria digesting the food sugars and producing acids. If left unattended, the cavity can spread into deep layers of the tooth, causing decay, pain and tooth loss. By limiting sugar intake, the mouth has a chance to fix the damage.

Sugar is a magnet for harmful bacteria 
The two types of harmful bacteria found in the mouth are Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus. Both feed on sugar and form dental plaque, a colorless, sticky film that builds around the surface of the teeth. If the plaque is not washed away with brushing, water or with saliva, the mouth becomes more acidic. When the acid level is too high, the acid causes minerals to dissolve and eventually destroy the tooth’s enamel. This process leads to small erosions and, over time, they become larger and deeper, becoming holes, a.k.a. cavities, in the tooth.

Habits that cause tooth decay

• Candy – Caramels, taffy, lollipops, and even cough drops contain refined sugar and tend to stick to your teeth longer. These foods gradually release sugar and give ample time for harmful bacteria to digest sugar and produce more acid.
• Starchy Food – Potato chips, bread, chips, and crackers get trapped in your teeth and cause tooth decay. Frequent snacking on these sugar-rich foods can harm your teeth extensively.
• Sodas & Juices – There are high chances of increasing cavities by constantly sipping on beverages high in sugar, as the prolonged exposure to sugar is the prime opportunity for harmful bacteria to damage your teeth. This includes fruit juice.
• Sports Drinks – Think twice before grabbing a favorite sports drink to feel energized. All energy drinks, sports drinks, and juices contain high sugar levels, which can destroy your teeth to a great extent. Additionally, these drinks have high amounts of acids that can cause tooth decay.

Ways to fight tooth decay

• Eat a balanced diet. Eat whole grains, vegetables, dairy products, and fresh fruits.
• Limit sugar-heavy drinks such as soda and juice. Use a straw while drinking sugary drinks to lessen your teeth’s exposure.
• Eat enough cheese, yogurt, and similar dairy products daily as they contain calcium and phosphate, which will strengthen your teeth.
• Drink lots of water.
• Brush and floss twice a day, especially after meals. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes each time.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production and prevent plaque build-up.

Eating a well-balanced diet, drinking water instead of sugary drinks, maintaining good oral hygiene, and visiting Dr. Dunne for regular dental check-ups every six months will go a long way in preventing cavities and ensuring your kiddo has a healthy smile for a lifetime.

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