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Dr. James Belcher, December 18, 2025
Sugar itself isn't the problem – the frequency is what matters.
Sugar is bad for your teeth – every child knows that. But is that really true across the board? Recent findings show that it's not the amount, but the frequency with which sugar comes into contact with your teeth that makes the difference. In this article, you'll learn why this is the case, what role your mouth plays in this process, and how you can better protect your teeth.
What is that?
Every time you eat sugar, it feeds bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria produce acids that attack your tooth enamel – a process known as demineralization. Your saliva's job is to neutralize these acids and strengthen the tooth. But this takes time. The problem arises when you're constantly snacking and your mouth barely gets a break.
Why is it important?
Constant snacking – whether chocolate, soft drinks, or fruit juice – means constant acid attacks. This can not only lead to tooth decay but also disrupt the oral microbiome (the natural community of bacteria in the mouth). Studies show that a disrupted microbiome is linked to gum inflammation and even systemic diseases such as diabetes or heart problems.
Science explained briefly
Researchers have discovered that after a sugary snack, the pH level in the mouth drops below the critical value of 5.5 for about 30 minutes – at which point the acid begins to attack tooth enamel. The more often you eat sugar, the more frequently the pH level drops – and the less time there is for remineralization. Therefore, fewer sugary snacks mean less stress for your teeth.
What can you do?
- It's better to have full meals than to snack constantly.
- Drinking water after eating sweets helps to flush out acids.
- Clean regularly and thoroughly – ideally in the morning and evening.
- Products like the PerioTrap microbiome toothpaste support your oral microbiome and help maintain balance in the mouth.
In summary
- Frequency of sugar intake is more important than the amount.
- Your saliva needs breaks to neutralize.
- Microbiome-friendly care from PerioTrap provides additional protection
Did you know?
A single soft drink can make your mouth "sour" for up to an hour – even if it's sugar-free, because it often contains acids.
Sources
- Featherstone JDB. The continuum of dental caries — evidence for a dynamic disease process. J Dent Res. 2004.
- Moynihan P, Petersen PE. Diet, nutrition and the prevention of dental diseases. Public Health Nutr. 2004.
- German Society for Conservative Dentistry (DGZ): Nutritional guideline for caries prevention, 2020.