Five Myths About Sugar and Dental Health

It's true, sugar isn't great for our teeth. But you already knew that! There are, however, a variety of myths surrounding the issue of sugar and teeth that, as an experienced Petersfield dentist, I would love to dispel forever.

 1 Sugar-free drinks won't harm my teeth

Although it might seem logical that drinks containing sugar-free sweeteners in place of sugar are much better for our teeth, it is a myth to believe that you can freely consume these drinks without incurring any damage to your tooth enamel.

In fact, research conducted by the University of Michigan showed that sugar-free versions of popular sugary drinks can cause more tooth enamel damage than the standard sugared version. This is because many sugar-free drinks contain high levels of citric acid, phosphoric acid or tartaric acid, which can affect enamel and lead to cavities, decay and gum issues.

Fruit juices also often contain high levels of natural citric acid, which means that although swapping your favourite fizzy drink for fruit juice can have many health benefits, removing the risk of potential tooth damage is not one of them. This doesn't, however, mean you should avoid these drinks entirely. Drinking through a non-plastic straw will minimise contact with your teeth and keep your mouth healthier for longer.

2 Consuming sugar in smaller quantities more frequently will cause less damage than one sugary snack

Every time you consume starchy food or sugar, plaque bacteria inside your mouth will begin to create acid and it is this acid that causes damage to your enamel. Most of this acid is created in the hour after consumption, which makes snacking on sweets and sugary drinks throughout the day potentially more damaging to your teeth than tucking into a sugar-heavy after-dinner dessert.

3 I need to cut out sugar completely 

Although important, your dental health is only one aspect of your overall health. Minimising refined sugars can have many health benefits. However, there are many naturally occurring sugars including lactose and fructose which can be found in dairy and fruit, that form an integral part of a healthy, balanced diet.

The glucose that can be found in refined sugars is broken down in your mouth, which leads to the creation of acids that can cause damage to your tooth enamel. Conversely, however, lactose and fructose are broken down in the stomach, meaning plaque will have fewer opportunities to start producing those damaging acids.

Foods containing naturally occurring sugars also contain a range of important nutrients that your body needs to stabilise your blood sugar levels and contribute to your overall sense of health and wellbeing.

4 After consuming sugar, I must brush immediately

Brushing after consuming anything containing refined sugar can be enormously beneficial for maintaining tooth health. Brushing after consuming something containing both sugar and acid, however, can have a detrimental effect because acidic foods and drinks change the pH levels in the mouth. As brushing immediately can lead to additional enamel damage, I recommend waiting at least an hour.

5 Sugar causes the most damage

Although sugar can be damaging, acidic foods and drinks and alcohol can also lead to similar build ups of plaque and bacteria. This is why I recommend avoiding singling out one thing as being most damaging for your teeth and instead focusing on the steps you can take to maintain good oral health.

In addition to implementing a solid oral hygiene routine, including frequent flossing and brushing, attending your dental and hygienist appointments at least twice a year will help you to ensure that your mouth is free from plaque build-up that can lead to damage and decay.

If you would like more information as to how you can minimise damage to your teeth or would like to book an appointment with one of our hygienists here at The Lodge Dental Practice, please call our friendly team on 01730 266 350.