How sugar hurts your teeth

Which of these do you think are worse for your teeth? (Choose one from each group)

Group 1
a) dried fruit
b) sweetened fruit drinks
c) no difference.

Group 2
a) a big piece of pie for dessert after a meal
b) three smaller pieces at eleven o’clock, four ‘clock and again at bedtime.
c) no difference.

The total amount of sugar you eat is not as important as the length of time your teeth are exposed to it. Bacteria (which is found in plaque) ferment the sugar. A direct result of this fermentation process is acid. The acid is excreted against the surface of the tooth. The longer the teeth are exposed to the sugar (thus the acid), the more damage will occur.

Thus, in the dried fruit versus the fruit drink, the dried fruit is worse for your teeth because it will stick to your teeth longer. Sticky, sugary foods like liquorice, caramel and toffee are some of your teeth’s worst enemies.

In the case of several pieces of pie throughout the day versus the large piece of pie for dessert, the numerous snacks are worse, again because they expose your teeth to sugar for a longer period of time.

During a meal, your mouth produces a great deal of saliva. This saliva protects your teeth by neutralising the decay-producing acids produced by the bacteria. Between meals, saliva production is reduced, thus the sugar tends to stay in contact with your teeth longer. And, since the production of your salivary glands slow down even more while you’re asleep, bedtime sugar snacks are particularly damaging.

So, to sum up: eat sweets and foods containing sugars sensibly. Avoid continual snacking between meals. Be sure to clean your teeth after eating sticky, sweet foods.

- (Dr Ilona Visser, dentist)