Glucose is the main source of energy for the human body. Complex carbohydrates and sweets break down into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream. Complex carbohydrates do not have a negative effect on the oral cavity. While fast carbohydrates (or simply sugar) harm your teeth and lead to the development of many diseases.

There are two main negative effects of sugar on your teeth.

• Like any other food, sugar must be properly digested and absorbed. These processes require a number of helpers: calcium and B-group vitamins. The greatest concentration of these elements is in the tooth enamel. It also gives the body all the necessary resources. Therefore, eating sweets regularly makes the enamel thinner, and the teeth become brittle and susceptible to caries.
• A huge amount of bacteria appears on the surfaces of the teeth half an hour after brushing your teeth. Sugar is a perfect breeding ground for almost all types of bacteria. They start to reproduce quickly and convert sugars into acids. Prolonged exposure of teeth to acids leads to softening of the tooth enamel and dental erosion. The surfaces of the teeth become rough and often collect food particles. All this leads to the formation of spots and cavities - tooth decay. As bacteria on the teeth continue to thrive and spread below the gum line, they can irritate or infect the gums, causing gum disease (periodontitis).

The good news is that the balance of elements in the tooth enamel can be restored in the case of moderate consumption of sweets. However, if candy (and other sweets) are part of the daily diet, teeth will gradually get worse.

The Most Dangerous Candy for Your Teeth

Dentists have compiled a list of the worst foods for your teeth.

• Taffy. Chewy candies stick to teeth and also lodge themselves in teeth’s crevices for hours. Subsequently, it activates the growth of bacteria and destroys tooth enamel much faster.
• Hard candy. The destructive effect of hard candies is that they are nearly 100% pure sugar by weight. Since they take a long time to dissolve in the mouth, it increases the exposure of sugar to the teeth, activating the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Chocolate. Chocolate contains about 50% sugar. However, dark chocolate is considered to be less harmful. Besides, scientists have proven that cocoa beans have an antibacterial effect. But it does not work with milk and white chocolate that are full of sugar.
• Carbonated drinks (sweet and sour). They promote softening of tooth enamel and the leaching of calcium.
• Starchy foods: biscuits, chips, sugary cereals, popcorn. A mixture of sugar and starch stimulates the production of lactic acid, which softens tooth enamel.
• Dried fruits. Like chewy candy, dried fruit latches onto and between the teeth, increasing the number of the pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity and prolonging the exposure of the tooth enamel to sugar.
• What foods strengthen tooth enamel?
• Calcium-rich foods. Dairy products, fermented milk products, hard cheese, cottage cheese, green leafy vegetables, beans, broccoli, fish, especially marine fish.
• Animal products high in vitamin D: marine fish, egg yolk, cheese, butter.
• High-fiber raw vegetables and fruits: carrots, apples, pears, quince and celery. They remove bacterial plaque and promote the secretion of saliva, which neutralizes the action of harmful acids.

How to Limit the Harmful Effects of Sugar on Teeth?

• Dental World dentists have prepared some tips to help you enjoy sweets without ruining your teeth.
• Remember to drink enough water after every sugary snack (it washes out bacteria and sugar residues).
• Eat sweets after your main meal (there is an increased amount of saliva in the mouth around mealtime).
• Use a straw to reduce your teeth's exposure to sugar.
• Drink milk. According to The Journal of the American Dental Association, milk after consuming sugary sweets can reduce the damage done to your teeth by lowering acidic plaque levels in the mouth.
• Read food labels when you shop for groceries. If sugar is listed as one of the first three ingredients, try hard to avoid that food.
• Chewing gum can be a good way to dislodge food debris, but it should not contain sugar.
• Practice proper oral hygiene. In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, it is important to follow other rules: spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth, do not forget to clean your tongue, use dental floss and mouthwash, choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste.

Finally, one of the best ways to reduce the negative effects of sugar on dental health is to visit your dentist regularly. Do you have any questions about oral health or hygiene? Has it been some time since you visited the dentist's office for a dental check-up? We can help you!