Do sugars cause tooth decay?
[The following answer is from the IFIC, International Food Information Council Foundation, 1100 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. Suite 430, Washington, DC 20036. (reference in bibliography, Part 8)] Tooth decay is the result of many factors, including heredity and the make-up and flow of saliva. Sugars and other carbohydrates such as starchy foods also play a part. Cavities occur when bacteria in dental plaque break down starches and sugars to form acids that destroy tooth enamel, dentine and /cementum. [85] Sugar consumption is not directly related to periodontal disease. Animal studies do indicate the frequent eating of sugars may stimulate the energy metabolism of plaque bacteria, increase plaque volume and thereby indirectly increase risk to periodontal health. [92,93] But regular removal of plaque, which is necessary to periodontal health anyway, eliminates this indirect risk.
