Does sugar cause cavities?
Plaque forms on your teeth daily. When sugar combines with the bacteria in plaque it produces acids that damages the enamel on your teeth. Although decreasing sugar intake will help, it is impossible to avoid sugar completely as it is naturally in many of our foods, including fruits and vegetables. In order to maintain healthy teeth and gums you must brush and floss daily using good techniques to ensure the best results.
Yes – if you don’t take care of your teeth. Sugar, just like other carbohydrates, can promote tooth decay. Bacteria live on our teeth and they feed on carbohydrate that gets stuck to the tooth surface. When you eat sticky, sweet foods like candy and toffee and don’t clean your teeth afterwards, the bacteria start to eat the sugar, which produces acid. This acid may then begin to break down the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. If you’re going to eat sugary, sticky foods, eat them with your meals and then brush your teeth. If you can’t brush your teeth eat an apple or chew a piece of sugarless gum. The saliva you make when chewing gum helps to wash some of the sugar off your teeth. Cavities can be prevented by brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist.
