Eating Sweet Habits Can Cause Tooth Damage, Here's the Explanation

JAKARTA - Tooth damage is still a common oral health problem, one of which is triggered by the habit of consuming excessive sweet foods and drinks.

Sugar can trigger processes that damage the protective layer of the teeth, thus increasing the risk of cavities and other oral disorders if not balanced with proper care.

In addition to affecting dental health, regular consumption of added sugar is also known to increase the risk of various chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The types of sugar consumed are also diverse, ranging from cane sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, to honey. However, the main problem is not in the type of sugar, but in the amount of added sugar that is consumed excessively.

President of the American Association of Endodontists, Steven J. Kats, DDS, MS, explained that sugary foods and drinks have a direct impact on oral health conditions.

He said that minutes after eating sweet foods or drinks, sticky plaque layers containing bacteria in the mouth will turn sugar into acid. The acid then lowers the pH level in the mouth and begins to dissolve important minerals from the tooth enamel.

According to Kats, the risk of tooth decay is not only determined by how much sugar is consumed, but also how often sugar exposure occurs. The habit of consuming sugar repeatedly in a day can increase the chances of tooth decay.

"If you sip on sugary soda all day, your teeth are constantly exposed to sugar, so the natural saliva that fights bacteria can't clean it," said Steven.

He suggested that sweet foods and drinks be consumed at a certain time, not gradually or nibbled on for a long time.

Kats also reminds you not to brush your teeth immediately after eating sweet foods. In this condition, the tooth enamel is softening due to exposure to acid, so brushing your teeth too quickly is at risk of eroding the enamel layer.

"Rinse with water to help clean the sugar and acid, and wait about 30 to 60 minutes before brushing your teeth," he explained.

This step is intended to give time for saliva to neutralize the acid in the mouth and help naturally harden the tooth enamel.