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Globally it is known that too much sugar on our teeth, or extreme consumption of sweet foods is likely to cause tooth decay, yet we always crave for the sugary stuff. 

Sweet foods will cause tooth decay as a result of the acids formed from these foods after they are broken down. These acids reduce the minerals on the tooth enamel. The continuous consumption of sweet foods can result in sensitive teeth, and in the long run can cause tooth decay. However, the amount of the sugary foods consumed may not matter so much; instead, what is critical is the length of time the sugar sits on the teeth.

Understandably, when we continuously eat sugary foods like candies, cookies and cakes, the bacteria that dwell in our mouths will use this as a source of food, that fuels the formation of acids, which causes the cavities in teeth, or tooth decay. The more the acid is formed from the breakdown of the sugary substances, the more there is the risk of a breakdown of the tooth structure.

Further to this, some of these foods are heavily laden with sugar, which in most cases will take a long time to dissolve in the mouth. Most of us will be tempted to eat sugary stuff before bedtime, and also probably not brush afterwards. This activates the generation of the acids, while at the same time production of saliva which can be used to wash away the acid is less during sleep – so this is the worst time to be eating sugary food.

At times it is hard to completely do away with sweets and other foods. If you have to eat sugary foods frequently, it is advisable to do so at least three hours apart, but it is more important to intensively brush after eating them, otherwise any plaque on and between the teeth is likely to causes tooth decay.

Many people may not beware that bread is also in the classification of sugary foods. It can be  even worse, because huge pieces of it can stick on the teeth for a while, unless you brush your teeth immediately.

You should not be experiencing pain while eating sugary (or any) foods, and if this happens then something is wrong.  There is a likelihood that you are developing tooth decay .You are therefore advised to see a dentist immediately to seek treatment.

So, to avoid tooth decay, stay away from the sugary foods or take them in between meals, but either way make sure to brush after. In addition visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups.

Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very  conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.