How Sugar Causes Tooth Cavities and What You Can Do to Prevent Them?
Introduction: Tooth decay or Cavity is damage to a tooth's surface or enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel.
Sugars in food and drinks play a major role in the development of dental caries. Bacteria within the plaque use the sugar as energy and release acid as a waste product, which gradually dissolves the enamel in the teeth If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to severe toothache, infection, and tooth loss.
Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.
Frequently asked questions
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay, or ‘dental caries’, occur when acid from within the mouth attacks the enamel and dentine of the teeth causing holes or cavities to form. The acid is produced by bacteria that are found within the plaque a sticky and thin film that repeatedly forms over the teeth. When sugar is consumed it interacts with the bacteria within the plaque to produce acid. This acid is responsible for tooth decay because it slowly dissolves the enamel creating holes or cavities in the teeth. Tooth decay can lead to tooth abscesses, which may result in the tooth having to be removed.
How sugar causes tooth decay?
Sugars in food and drinks play a major role in the development of dental caries. Bacteria within the plaque use the sugar as energy and release acid as a waste product, which gradually dissolves the enamel in the teeth. dental caries is lower when free sugars intake is less. Dental caries progresses with age, and the effects of sugars on the dentition are lifelong. Even low levels of caries in childhood are of significance to levels of caries throughout the life-course. It is suggested that there may be benefit in limiting sugars intake minimize the risk of dental caries throughout the life course.
Who is at risk of tooth decay?
Everyone is at risk of tooth decay, but children and adolescents are most at risk. Dental caries is the most common cause of tooth loss in young people. Plaque begins to build up on teeth only 20 minutes after we begin eating and if it is not removed effectively, tooth decay starts. People who regularly consume sugar have a higher risk of developing dental caries, particularly if the food they eat is sticky or consumed in between mealtimes
What are the ways to reduce dental caries ?
- Brushing teeth thoroughly twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste as well as flossing daily.
- Reducing the amount of sugars-containing sticky food and rinsing the mouth with water if they are consumed.
- Reduce snacking, which helps reduce the production of acid in the mouth.o Reduce the consumption of sugars-sweetened beverages.
- Only eat sugary foods at mealtimes.
Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.