Most of us know that sugar is bad for your teeth, but the science behind why might not be what you'd expect. The sugar itself doesn't harm your teeth. The real culprit is the bacteria in your mouth that feeds on sugar. These bacteria produce acid whenever they encounter sugar, and the acid causes a wide range of oral issues, from decay to disease. 

At EverSmile, we sell numerous teeth-cleaning products that kill bacteria to prevent these acids from developing.

Why Sugar Is Bad for Your Teeth and Mouth

There are several ways that sugar negatively impacts your oral health:

• Plaque buildup. Sugar causes the formation of dental plaque, which is the sticky film that develops on the surface of your teeth. If the plaque is not removed regularly by your saliva and brushing your teeth, the bacteria will multiply. 
• Weakened enamel. As bacteria develop, the acid they produce causes your enamel — the outer, protective layer of your teeth — to become weak. Weakened enamel increases your sensitivity to temperature and pressure when you eat and drink and can eventually lead to tooth decay. 
• Imbalanced pH. The more acid in your mouth, the more imbalanced your pH levels. At a normal pH of 5.5, your saliva can repair enamel. But when the pH in your mouth falls below 5.5, acidity starts to dissolve the protective minerals in your saliva. Imbalanced pH levels also increase teeth sensitivity and cause bad breath. 
• Tooth decay. Sugar leads to tooth decay, often in the form of cavities. As enamel is destroyed, cavities begin to form. If left untreated, a cavity will spread into deeper layers of the tooth, causing more pain and resulting in tooth loss. 
• Gum disease. If the bacteria on your teeth spread to your gumline, your gums can become infected. Gum disease causes your gums to itch, bleed and swell. If the disease advances, it can travel through the body and invade your joints, tissue and organs. 

How to Fight Sugar Damage

One of the best and most straightforward ways to prevent sugar damage is to reduce your sugar intake. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water helps keep your sugar levels low and increases the flow of saliva in your mouth, which remineralizes your teeth. 

Another important way to fight sugar damage is through good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth, flossing and going to the dentist every six months. 

If you have a retainer, dentures, braces, aligners, bridges or implants, you are particularly vulnerable to excess mouth bacteria. EverSmile sells bacteria-killing products specifically formulated for use with each of these oral devices to provide maximum protection. 

Choose EverSmile Solutions to Keep Your Teeth Clean

EverSmile products clean and whiten teeth, freshen your breath and prevent staining. You can dispense our foams directly into trays and on toothbrushes for fast, effective treatment. 

Shop our selection online or find our products at a store near you to get the best cleaning and whitening results.