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Dental Health : Enjoy sweets while avoiding tooth decay!

Published on October 21, 2021 at 10:41 / Updated on September 18, 2026 at 14:29

Who can resist a sweet treat now and then? Practically no one, and there is nothing wrong with that! But did you know that the average Canadian consumes 40 kg of sugar each year? That is a considerable amount, which is why good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your smile and teeth healthy.

What exactly is a cavity?

A tooth has three layers:

  • Enamel, the outer layer that comes into direct contact with food and bacteria
  • Dentin, the middle layer that makes up most of the tooth
  • Pulp, the innermost layer, which contains the nerves and blood vessels

A cavity develops gradually, working its way from the outside of the tooth inward. At first, it is invisible and painless. As it progresses toward the dentin and pulp, the tooth may become sensitive to heat, cold and sugar. In more advanced cases, a brown or black spot may appear. If left untreated, a cavity can eventually destroy the tooth and even infect the bone supporting it.

What causes cavities?

Three main factors contribute to their development:

  • Dental plaque. This invisible film forms on the teeth every day and contains large amounts of bacteria. It can harden in just 24 to 36 hours and is also the leading cause of gum disease.
  • Genetics. Some people naturally have more acidic saliva, creating conditions that allow bacteria to multiply more easily. This can make them more prone to cavities, even if they practise good oral hygiene.
  • Diet. Every time you consume sugar, the pH level in your mouth drops. This creates an acidic environment in which bacteria thrive and attack tooth enamel. The more frequently your teeth are exposed to sugar, the more damage can accumulate.

A better way to satisfy your sweet tooth

You do not have to give up sweets completely. A few simple habits can help you enjoy them while protecting your teeth:

  • Have sweets with a meal instead of as a snack. Your mouth produces more saliva during meals, helping to neutralize acids and naturally rinse your teeth.
  • Choose treats that do not stick to your teeth. Caramels and gummy candies lodge in the grooves and hard-to-reach areas of the teeth, where they are difficult to remove. The longer sugar remains in contact with the teeth, the greater the risk of cavities.
  • Rinse your mouth when brushing is not an option. A glass of water, a few bites of a fibre-rich food such as an apple, or a piece of sugar-free gum can help between brushings.

Cleaning: Your best defence against cavities

There is no miracle product to prevent cavities, but one habit truly makes a difference: cleaning your teeth thoroughly and consistently.

  • Brush at least twice a day. Ideally, brush after every meal and before bed for two to three minutes. Pay special attention to the back molars, even though they can be difficult to reach. Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles and replace it every three months.
  • Floss every day. Without flossing, more than 30% of the tooth surface remains uncleaned. Floss reaches the spaces between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot, helping prevent plaque and bacteria from building up. Some bleeding is normal when you first begin flossing regularly and should stop after a few days.
  • Maintain healthy habits. A balanced diet, moderate consumption of sweets and quitting smoking, one of the leading causes of tooth loss, can make an enormous difference to your long-term oral health.

Regular dental visits are also essential. Your dentist can identify problems that are not visible to the naked eye and treat them before they worsen.

A note for parents: Children need a helping hand!

Young children don’t yet have the dexterity to brush their teeth properly on their own. Here are a few helpful guidelines:

  • Before the first tooth appears: Gently clean your baby’s gums with a damp cloth or an infant toothbrush.
  • As soon as the first tooth appears: Use a tiny smear of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Beginning at age three, a pea-sized amount is enough. Make sure your child does not swallow it, as excessive fluoride intake can cause fluorosis.
  • Once your child can write their own name: They are generally ready to brush independently, although supervision is still recommended.
  • When it comes to food and drinks: Choose juice with no added sugar and offer water between meals. The natural sugar in fruit can affect teeth just as refined sugar does, so frequency and quantity are what count. Be mindful of liquid medications such as cough syrups, which often contain large amounts of sugar. Your pharmacist can help you find sugar-free alternatives.

Taking care of your teeth comes down to a few simple daily habits. So go ahead and enjoy a treat now and then. Moderation is what matters!

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