People who eat more free sugars get more cavities, with cavities increasing exponentially with higher sugar intake. Populations with lower sugar intakes had fewer cavities. In one population, in Nigeria, where sugar consumption was about 2 grams/day, only 2 percent of the population, of any age, had a cavity.[111]
In the presence of sugar and other carbohydrates, bacteria in the mouth produce acids that can strip away enamel, dentin, and cementum. The more frequently teeth are exposed to this environment, the more likely it is that tooth decay will occur. Therefore, it is recommended to keep snacking to a minimum, because snacking creates a continuous supply of nourishment for the acid-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Sticky and sticky foods (such as candy, cookies, potato chips, and crackers) tend to stick to the teeth longer. However, dried fruits such as raisins and fresh fruits such as apples and bananas disappear from the mouth quickly and do not appear to be a risk factor. Consumers are not good at guessing what foods are in the mouth. [112]
For children, the American Dental Association and the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend limiting the frequency of consumption of drinks with sugar and not giving baby bottles to infants at bedtime (see previous discussion). [113][114] Parents are also recommended to avoid sharing utensils and cups with their children to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the parents’ mouth.[115]
It has been found that milk and certain types of cheese such as cheddar cheese can help fight tooth decay if eaten shortly after eating foods that may damage the teeth.[32]
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar that is used in various products as a substitute for sucrose (table sugar). As of 2015, evidence regarding the use of xylitol in chewing gum is insufficient to determine whether it is effective in preventing tooth decay.[116][117][118]
