There has been a huge amount of discussion about the impact of sugar on the health of the nation, but the dangers of sugar consumption are nothing new and dentists have been warning about the implications of excessive sugar consumption for many years now.

Sugar is a major issue because it causes the bacteria in your mouth to release acids, known as plaque acids, which erode the tooth enamel. Once the enamel starts to become thinner, the risk of tooth infection and damage rises and enamel cannot be regenerated by the body.

Five foods to avoid for good oral health

Cakes

One of the main problems is that many of the nation’s favourite foods and drinks are laden with sugar, including cakes. Cakes are an indulgent treat and they taste amazing, but if you’ve baked one from scratch or read the nutrition labels of a shop-bought product, you’ll be well aware of the amount of sugar that goes into a sponge or a gateau.

Crisps

Crisps are savoury, but they contain starchy carbohydrate, which is eventually converted into sugar. Crisps also tend to get stuck in the grooves of the teeth after chewing and this can increase the chances of plaque forming in and around the teeth.

 Chewy sweets

Chewy sweets are not just full of sugar, they also get stuck in the pits and grooves of the biting surfaces of the teeth.

 Sports drinks

Energy and sports drinks have become hugely popular in the last few years, especially among young people and studies have shown that they are incredibly harmful for the teeth. Many contain more sugar than fizzy pop, which not only increases the risk of decay and gum disease, but also contributes to an increased risk of diabetes and other health complications.

 Wine

Wine is a very popular tipple for people of all ages, but unfortunately, it is not good news for the teeth. Wine is acidic, which contributes to erosion and enamel wear and it also stains the teeth. Studies have shown that white and red wine contribute to discolouration of the white enamel.