Myth and fact!
In reality, it’s the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities, says Dr Isabella. What the bacteria do, however, is eat carbohydrates — and sugar is one of them. Rice, potatoes, bread, and fruits and vegetables are also carbohydrates.
When you eat anything with carbs, the bacteria become active and produce acid that then eats into your tooth.
“Once they do that, the bacteria now have a nice little hole to live in where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach,” Dr. Isabella says. The bacteria continue to metabolize carbs, produce acids, and your cavity just keeps getting bigger.
Also, it’s not the amount of carbohydrates you eat that causes tooth decay, but the length of time your teeth are exposed. If you eat a lot of carbs for lunch, that’s one big exposure. But if you spend the day sipping sugary drinks, that’s continuous exposure — and much more dangerous for your teeth.
“We have a saying,” Dr Isabella tells . “Sip all day and get decay.”