Does eating sugar cause cavities?
-
American Dental Association answered:Sugars and starches, such as pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.Sugars and starches, such as pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel,... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Sugars, especially in the form of sticky foods that cling to teeth, increase your risk of developing cavities. The bacteria that produce acids, which cause decay, thrive on sugars and produce more acids when they come in contact with sugars.Sugars, especially in the form of sticky foods that cling to teeth, increase your risk of developing cavities. The bacteria that produce acids, which cause decay, thrive on sugars and produce more acids when they come in contact with sugars. More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Sugar does not cause cavities. It will increase your risk of getting cavities. The bacteria in your mouth are called plaque. The plaque digests sugar and makes acid. If the acid stays in contact with your tooth long enough, it will make a cavity. After eating sugars you should try to brush your teeth.
Sugar does not cause cavities. It will increase your risk of getting cavities. The bacteria in your mouth are called plaque. The plaque digests sugar and makes acid. If the acid stays in contact with your tooth long enough, it will make a cavity.... More -
Dr. Philip Uffer answered:Kind of....
To get a cavity you need three things:
- the right kind of bacteria (strep mutans and others)
- food for the bacteria
- time for the bacterial waste products to sit on your teeth and damage them.
If you prevent any one of the above, you probably won't get decay.
Kind of.... To get a cavity you need three things: the right kind of bacteria (strep mutans and others) food for the bacteria time for the bacterial waste products to sit on your teeth and damage them. If you prevent any one of the above, you... More
