Does Sugar Rot Teeth?

Yes. Sweets and tooth decay go hand in hand. An excessive amount of sugar in one’s diet can result in cavities. When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth transform it into acid, which causes damage to your teeth’s enamel.

Effects of Sugar on Teeth

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children and teens are at the highest risk of developing cavities. [1] Younger people may consume more sugary foods on average than adults, contributing to the widespread problem of dental cavities.

Does sugar rot your teeth? Absolutely! Sugar is broken down by the bacteria in the mouth, turning it into harmful acid that can lead to a bacterial infection, eroding the enamel of the teeth, and infiltrating the interior portion. [2] Once inside your tooth, the bacteria can then create a hole (i.e., cavity) that leads to significant pain and, in some cases, tooth loss.

What Foods and Beverages to Avoid

The more cavities you have as a child, the more likely you’ll have cavities as an adult as well. For this reason, the WHO recommends limiting sugar intake as much as possible to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. It’s important to minimize the amount of sweets and sugary drinks in your diet, avoiding or limiting foods and beverages such as: [3]

• Fruit juice
• Sugar-sweetened beverages
• Soda
• Sugary cereals
• Honey
• Syrups
• Cakes and bakery items
• Candy
• Desserts and sugary treats
• Jellies and jams

Snacking on savory snacks and drinking water can help lower your daily sugar consumption and protect your teeth.

Other Ways to Prevent Cavities

Limiting sugary snacks and beverages is a good first step to preventing cavities, but there’s more you can do. Here are some recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA): [4]

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use interdental cleaning methods such as flossing or oral irrigation daily
• Attend regular dental checkups
• Avoid cigarette smoking and tobacco use
• Avoid oral piercings

Early Signs of a Cavity

Before a cavity fully develops, there may be signs of tooth decay, including: [5]

• Bad breath
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Toothache
• Mouth pain
• Bleeding gums
• Swelling in the facial area

If you notice signs of a cavity, it may be important to contact your dentist right away. An untreated cavity could lead to severe pain and infection.

Stages of Tooth Decay

Cavities happen in stages that can lead to further tooth decay if not treated promptly. These are the five stages of tooth decay, starting with signs of a cavity: [6]

• Demineralization: Acid attacks the enamel of your tooth, leaving small white spots on the surface of your teeth.
• Decay of Enamel: The white spots begin to turn brown, and you may notice holes in your teeth.
• Decay of Dentin: Dentin refers to the tooth layer directly below the enamel. If cavities reach the dentin, your teeth may become more sensitive, and the spots on your teeth will turn a darker brown.
• Damage to Tooth Pulp: Your tooth pulp is in the very center of your tooth and is vulnerable due to the presence of nerves and blood vessels. When cavities infiltrate the tooth pulp, you may begin to experience pain. Your gums may also turn red, and the spots on your teeth could turn black.
• Abscessed Tooth: When cavities that reach the pulp are left untreated, they can become infected. This can cause pain and swelling around your face, as well as swollen lymph nodes.

You may be more likely to experience tooth decay if you have a family history of tooth decay or if you have dry mouth as a result of a medical condition or medications you’re taking.

Prioritize Your Oral Health

Your oral health can be an essential part of your overall health and well-being. If you don’t have a dentist, finding one could be the first step in making your oral health a priority. Regular checkups with your dentist can help you prevent painful and costly dental problems, including cavities and abscessed teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar and Tooth Decay