Sugar and teeth: What’s the big problem?

We're already into week-two of the New Year and this week our Dental Expert Robert Molloy gives us the low-down on why sugar is so bad for our teeth and what we can do to avoid pesky fillings.

By Robert Molloy

Hi Robert,

Every time I go to the Dentist I need fillings. I know I have a sweet tooth, but I brush my teeth regularly. So what can I do?

Brian Kelly
Carlow Town.

Hi Brian,

Thanks for getting in touch.

The reason that Dentists care so much about sugar is that it’s one of the main causes of disease to your teeth and gums. It is a very simple equation: Bacteria, when it combines with sugar, produces acid known as a bi-product and it's this acid that does pretty much all of the damage. Dentists don't like this to happen, because when the acidity reaches a ph. below 5.5, it can start to break down the tooth.

Dentists know that, in general, teeth can tolerate three acid attacks a day i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is why we advise patients to eat their sweet or sugary things around those meals, as the mouth is far better able to counteract the acid attack because there is more saliva produced at meal times and this helps limit the damage caused by the acid.

Dentists realise that we can't cut sugar totally out of the diet, so this is why we advise avoiding sugary snacks between meals in order to limit damage to your teeth.

How can you follow this simple advice?

The best way to avoid sugar is to first analyse how many times a day that you expose your teeth to sugar. An easy way to do this is to compile a diet sheet on three non-consecutive days (i.e. Tues, Thurs, Sat) writing down the foods that you eat and the times eaten. Then examine the frequency or amount of times a day that you have 'sugary' foods.

The thing that surprises most patients is the hidden sugars that we do not realise are damaging our teeth, such as sugar in tea or coffee which seems innocuous but are as damaging as jellies or mints.

We can help you interpret these diet sheets, so don't be afraid to bring them along if you are concerned. The main message we want our patients to leave with is that dentists alone cannot stop tooth decay. Cleaning your teeth and the reduction in the amount of times a day that you eat sugary foods are the best way to counteract the acid attacks that cause your Dentist to place or replace fillings.

Thanks for the question and I hope my answer helps.

All the best,

Robert.

Redmond Molloy is a well renowned dental practice based in Dublin, with offices in Santry, Sutton, Balbriggan and at Grand Canal Quay. For more details, check out www.redmondmolloy.ie or mail [email protected].