What type of sugar causes tooth decay?
The sugars that are most damaging to your teeth are refined sugars that are added to food and drinks during the manufacturing process. These include:
- Dextrose
- Maltose
- Glucose
- Sucrose
- Fructose
Are 'low sugar' products safe?
When sugar comes into contact with your teeth, plaque pH falls to levels that can cause tooth decay within 2 minutes. And it can take up to two hours for your mouth to return to normal. So it's not just the amount of sugar you consume that can damage your teeth. If you consume low sugar products throughout the day the effect can be just as damaging.
Are artificial sweeteners safe?
Many products are marked 'sugar free', or 'kind to teeth'. These products usually contain sweeteners that do not cause tooth decay. These include:
- Lactitol
- Xylitol
- Sorbitol
- Aspartame
- Saccharin
Is 'sugar free' chewing gum good for my teeth?
Sugar-free chewing gum can help to prevent tooth decay by increasing saliva production - which helps to neutralise plaque acid.
There is also some evidence to suggest that Xylitol (a sweetener often added to sugar-free gum) can help to reduce tooth decay - but it can have laxative effects if it is consumed in large quantities.
What can I do to reduce the effect of sugar on my teeth?
To help reduce the damaging effects that sugar can have on your teeth, try following these steps:
- Stick to unprocessed, unrefined, natural foods wherever possible
- Check the ingredients of food, drinks and medicines carefully - sugar can be added to sweet and savoury products
- Ask for sugar-free alternatives wherever possible
- Consume sugary food and drinks less often and less frequently
- Avoid eating between meals
- Brush your teeth after eating
- Visit your dentist regularly
What is Tooth Decay?
Bacteria in plaque breaks down the food you eat (particularly sugar) and converts it into acids that can dissolve the enamel of your teeth.
Saliva contains minerals that neutralise these acids and lubricants that help to remove food debris from your teeth. Tooth decay occurs when your saliva can't handle the number of acid attacks - so by eating less often, avoiding sugary foods and using fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes you can help to protect your teeth.
Where does tooth decay occur?
Tooth decay occurs in three main areas:
1. On the smooth surfaces of your teeth
The smooth surfaces of your teeth come into regular contact with food and bacteria but by brushing regularly with a fluoride toothpaste you can significantly reduce the risk of this type of decay.
2. Between your teeth
Decay often occurs in the areas between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach. The most effective way to clean these areas is by using dental floss or dental tape.
3. On the chewing surface of your teeth
The tiny pits and fissures on the chewing surface of your teeth can attract microscopic food particles and bacteria. Often your toothbrush bristles are too large to reach these areas.
What can I do to prevent decay?
To help protect your teeth from decay, try following these steps:
1. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste after eating
2. Use a fluoride mouthwash
3. Floss your teeth regularly
4. Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
5. Avoid eating between meals
6. Reduce your consumption of foods containing sugar
