Sugar acts like an acid dissolving the enamel on teeth. Each time you eat a snack containing sugar, the resulting acid attack can last up to 20 minutes. The naturally-occurring bacteria in the mouth use sugar as energy to multiply and stick themselves to the surface of a tooth. Over time, this turns into plaque and continues to eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Tiny holes will eventually be made in the enamel. These are cavities. Left untreated, cavities will continue to grow.

Sugar attacks the enamel on your teeth and can lead to cavities. You can avoid the damaging effects of sugar by brushing and flossing your teeth two to three times a day and limiting the amount of sugary foods and snacks you eat and drink.