Sugar, Snacking and Tooth Decay | The Smile Factory

Tooth decay is a timing problem as much as a diet problem. Every sugar exposure creates an acid attack that lasts around 20 to 30 minutes before saliva resets the balance.

Work with your saliva

• Keep sweets to mealtimes instead of grazing all day
• Sip water between meals and after sugary drinks
• Choose cheese, nuts or plain yoghurt as light snacks
• Do not brush immediately after acid drinks - rinse and wait 30 minutes

Frequency is the hidden variable. Three sugary meals a day are far kinder to enamel than six small sweet snacks, even when the total sugar is the same.