Sugar is delicious. There’s no denying it. But does sugar really cause cavities?

First things first: What’s a cavity? A cavity is a hole in a tooth where tooth enamel has broken down due to decay. If left untreated, a cavity can create a hole through the tooth and expose nerve endings.

Can sugar be the cause of one of these pesky cavities?

No, sugar doesn’t cause cavities, bacteria causes cavities. But sugar is like a magnet for bad bacteria. Sugar digestion also creates bacteria which, if not properly managed, will lead to not just cavities but also gum disease and may even result tooth loss.

Whenever we eat food, acids are created by our body to break down the food to assist in digestion. These acids demineralize our teeth. Thankfully, our teeth are re-mineralized by brushing our teeth, drinking fluorinated water, and even our own saliva. Want to prevent cavities from sugar? Here are a few tips:

• Resist the urge to sip sugary beverages between meals
• Swish your mouth with water after snacking and wait about 30 minutes to brush your teeth
• Chew certain types pf sugar-free gum to reduce cavity-causing bacteria

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Have cavities that are causing you pain? Or do you just want a happier, heathier smile? Schedule an appointment today and our team will help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.