Your mouth is home to a mix of good and bad bacteria. The harmful ones, such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus, thrive on sugar. When they digest sugar, they produce acids that weaken your teeth by demineralizing the enamel — the outer protective layer of your teeth.
The good news is that saliva helps reverse this damage through a process called remineralization. Saliva, along with fluoride from toothpaste, helps rebuild enamel by replacing lost minerals. However, repeated acid attacks can overwhelm this repair system, leading to tooth decay and cavities. These holes in the enamel are caused by harmful bacteria breaking down sugar into acids.
Symptoms of tooth decay include toothaches, pain when chewing, and sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
How sugar fuels tooth decay
1. Sugar attracts harmful bacteria
Sugar acts as a magnet for harmful bacteria that create dental plaque — a sticky film that builds up on your teeth. If plaque is not removed through brushing or saliva, it creates an acidic environment in your mouth, lowering the pH level. When plaque’s pH drops below 5.5, it begins to dissolve minerals in your enamel, eventually leading to cavities.
2. Sugary snacks, drinks increase risk
Frequent snacking on sugary foods or drinking sugary beverages increases your teeth’s exposure to acids, heightening the risk of tooth decay. Research has shown that children who frequently consume sugary snacks, like cookies and chips, are more likely to develop cavities.
3. Sticky foods, drinks are particularly harmful
Sticky foods like hard candies, breath mints, and lollipops release sugar gradually, keeping harmful bacteria busy for longer periods. Even processed, starchy foods like potato chips and crackers can stay in your mouth, fueling bacteria and increasing the risk of cavities.
How to prevent tooth decay
1. Watch your diet, beverage choices
Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Minimize sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals. When drinking sugary beverages, consider using a straw to reduce direct exposure to your teeth. Always follow up sugary snacks with water, preferably tap water containing fluoride, which helps protect your enamel.
2. Limit sugar intake
Cut back on sugary foods and drinks. Sipping sugary drinks throughout the day is especially damaging, as it continuously exposes your teeth to acids. Opt for water instead, which is neutral and free from sugar and acid.
3. Practice good oral hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals. Use fluoride toothpaste, which helps remineralize enamel and prevent decay. Stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum. Regular dental visits are crucial for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.