Why sugar matters for your teeth
We all know that sugar isn’t great for our teeth, but it’s not just about the occasional chocolate bar. Sugar hides in many foods and drinks we enjoy every day — even in products we think of as “healthy.” Over time, these hidden sugars can feed the bacteria in your mouth and lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
When we eat or drink sugary foods, bacteria in plaque use that sugar for energy. In the process, they produce acid as a by-product — and that acid starts breaking down tooth enamel. This is how cavities begin. Once decay progresses through the enamel and reaches the softer layer beneath (called dentine), the tooth becomes weaker and more prone to damage or pain.
Because this process happens slowly and often without symptoms, regular dental check-ups are essential. Your dentist can detect early signs of decay before they cause pain or require more complex treatment.
Understanding sugar: the sweet truth
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies convert to glucose for energy. Some sugars occur naturally in fruit and dairy, while others are added during food manufacturing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting “free sugars” — these are sugars added to foods and drinks, as well as those naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices, and juice concentrates. It’s these free sugars that cause most problems for your teeth and your overall health.
Even foods that seem healthy can contain surprising amounts of sugar. Flavoured yoghurts, sauces, breakfast cereals, and even “fat-free” products often include hidden sugars to improve taste and texture. A quick way to compare products is to check the per 100g column on the nutrition label — anything above 15g of sugar per 100g is considered high.
How sugar affects more than your mouth
Tooth decay isn’t the only reason to watch your sugar intake. A diet high in added sugars is also linked with weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes. Your liver processes sugar in a similar way to alcohol, turning excess sugar into fat. Over time, this can contribute to fatty liver disease and increase your risk of cardiovascular problems.
Interestingly, tooth decay is the world’s most common non-communicable disease — even more widespread than heart disease or diabetes. That’s another reason dental health should be seen as part of your overall wellbeing, not separate from it.
Why snacking can be worse than sugar itself
It’s not just how much sugar you eat, but how often.
Each time you eat or drink something sugary, your teeth are exposed to an “acid attack” that can last up to 20 minutes. If you keep snacking or sipping throughout the day, your saliva doesn’t have time to neutralise those acids — putting your enamel under constant stress.
To protect your teeth:
- Limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes
- Leave at least two hours between snacks
- Drink water instead of soft drinks, juice, or cordial
Smarter snack ideas
Small changes make a big difference. Try swapping sugary snacks for options that are better for your teeth:
- Cheese and wholegrain crackers
- Fresh vegetables with hummus
- A handful of nuts
- Fresh fruit (rather than dried fruit or juice)
- Natural peanut butter on toast or apple slices
- A boiled egg
- If you prefer yoghurt, choose plain or natural varieties and add your own fresh fruit for flavour.
How to protect your teeth from sugar damage
Good oral hygiene and regular dental care can keep your smile healthy for life.
Here’s what we recommend at Dentistry on George:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Limit sugary and processed foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleans
Worried about tooth decay or diet-related damage?
If you’re concerned about cavities or want tailored advice on improving your dental health, our friendly Brisbane CBD dentists can help. Prevention is always better than cure — and small changes to your diet and daily habits can make a lasting difference to your smile.
