According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sugar affects teeth when it mixes with plaque (a sticky film
of bacteria).1 When sugar touches plaque it produces acid which then "attacks the teeth for 20
minutes or more"
which can lead to tooth decay.1 ADA says "...when teeth come in frequent contact with soft drinks
and other
sugar-containing substances, the risk of (tooth) decay formation is increased."2 ADA recommends we
be "mindful
of the effects of frequent consumption of sugary beverages and non-nutritious snack foods."1
For more information, visit the American Dental Association's Web site: www.ada.org
1 American Dental Association. (2002). Diet and tooth decay. Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol. 133. Retrieved from
http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_13.pdf
2 American Dental Association. (n.d.). Diet and oral health: Patient version. Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diet-and-dental-health
