Sugar starts corroding your teeth within seconds, experts explain

Researchers report that oral bacteria begin converting dietary sugars into acids within seconds, raising mouth acidity enough within a minute or two to start dissolving tooth enamel; saliva and competing bacteria can neutralize acids, but frequent sugar exposure can overwhelm those defenses.

Sugar in the mouth triggers rapid changes that can harm tooth enamel, and experts are discussing how those changes occur and what has been reported to reduce risk. University of Florida oral biology professors Jacqueline Abranches and José Lemos write in The Conversation about how bacteria in the mouth use dietary sugars to produce acids and build protective biofilms. This process can raise acidity levels within a minute or two after consuming sugary foods or drinks. The article describes how natural mouth defenses work and why frequent sugar exposure can overwhelm them. Key findings: - Bacteria in the mouth convert dietary sugars into acids within seconds, and acidity can rise to tooth‑enamel‑dissolving levels within a minute or two. - Saliva helps wash away sugars and neutralize acids, and some resident bacteria compete with cavity‑causing bacteria to restore a less acidic balance. - Repeated or frequent intake of sugary foods and drinks can overfeed harmful bacteria so that saliva and helpful bacteria cannot fully counteract acidity. - Cavity‑causing bacteria also use sugars to form sticky biofilms (plaque) that are hard to remove and that limit saliva’s ability to neutralize acids. - Inside these biofilm fortresses, acid‑producing bacteria can persist and continue to increase acidity, which can lead to mineral loss and eventually visible cavities. Summary: The article reports that acid production from oral bacteria begins almost immediately after sugar intake and can threaten enamel unless countered by saliva and competing microbes. The authors list reported measures intended to reduce that risk, including reducing overall sugar intake, consuming sweets during meals, avoiding frequent snacking on sugary items, and routine plaque removal through brushing and flossing.