Are Natural Sugars As Bad for Your Teeth As Processed Sugars?

Posted on 8/9/2021 by Alyce

Comparing natural sugar and processed sugar can be confusing. Which one is worse for your teeth?

How Cavities Form

It is important to realize how cavities form so you can avoid the foods which cause them. When you eat something with sugar, the bacteria in your mouth consume it. The bacteria produces a waste product after eating the sugar off your teeth. This byproduct is an acid. The acid is what causes cavities. Gum disease is also a common concern when too much bacteria are present.

The enamel on your teeth is not strong enough to resist acid. The acid decalcifies or demineralizes the tooth enamel, which causes tooth decay and cavities. Both natural sugar and processed sugar feed the bacteria in your mouth.

What is Natural Sugar?

Natural sugars are found in fruit as fructose and in dairy products as lactose. The sugar in fruit is what makes it taste so good. Foods with natural sugar also contain vitamins and minerals.

Natural sugar comes with a lot of fiber and water too, which help us to feel full. The full feeling is a natural mechanism that causes us to stop eating, in other words, naturally regulating our sugar intake.

Processed Sugar and Your Mouth

Processed sugar, or refined sugar, comes from sugar cane or sugar beets. This type of sugar is added to food. Your body digests them more quickly than natural sugar. Processed sugar can be linked to many types of health problems in your body.

The Verdict on Sugar

Processed or added sugar is worse for your teeth than natural sugar. Adding sugar increases the level of sugar in foods, which makes for more acid in your mouth. In natural foods, the sugars are balanced with liquids that help wash away the sugars. Foods with natural sugar may also contain protein and fiber, which stimulates the production of saliva, which naturally washes away bacteria.

Come See us Soon

Make an appointment for your next professional cleaning and dental exam. We will work with you to make sure you are proactive about your oral health by making good food choices. We want to help you eat foods that will benefit your body and take care of your teeth and gums.

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