Will eating sugary foods cause tooth decay?

Dental decay is dependent on a number of factors including the type and numbers of plaque bacteria, salivary flow, dietary behaviour, oral hygiene and overall health. Frequent intake of foods or drinks containing carbohydrates (sugars and starch) such as sweets, fruit juices, dried fruit, potato chips and crackers can contribute to tooth decay. However the effect of these carbohydrates on tooth decay depends on many factors including the type of food, how often food is consumed, availability of fluoride, the extent of regular tooth brushing, saliva flow, genetic factors, etc.

Bacteria adhering to the teeth in plaque use sugars from the diet, and from the breakdown of starch, to provide energy. This process produces acids which attack the tooth enamel surface, removing minerals from the teeth (demineralisation). After a short time, the acid in the mouth is neutralised by saliva, which contains protective elements such as fluoride, calcium and phosphorus ions. The minerals lost from the teeth can then be replaced (remineralisation).

Tooth decay (dental caries) occurs when more minerals have been removed from the teeth by bacterial acids than can be replaced from saliva. This happens when people consume foods or drinks containing carbohydrates too frequently. Protection against decay (and remineralisation of tooth enamel) increases when saliva production is increased, something that happens during the chewing process. Conversely, people with reduced salivary flow often have severe tooth decay.

The most effective way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, particularly before going to bed, as saliva production is lower during sleep. Don't eat or drink anything, except water, in bed. It is also advisable to visit the dentist regularly so decay can be spotted early on.

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