The doctor dispelled the myth that all sweets destroy teeth

It is believed that candies, pastries, and soda inevitably lead to cavities. However, sweet food by itself does not destroy teeth. Orthodontist Maryana Baragunova explained this in a conversation with "Gazeta.Ru".

"Sugar does not directly destroy tooth enamel. The danger only arises when sweet residues remain on the surface of teeth and between them. In this environment, bacteria begin to actively multiply, releasing acids. These acids are what cause cavities," the specialist explained.

According to the doctor, products with sticky textures pose a particular threat: toffees, caramel, marmalade, marshmallows, and chocolate bars. Such sweets linger in the mouth for a long time, stick to the enamel, and can remain in hard-to-reach places for hours.

Sweet carbonated drinks are equally dangerous. The doctor noted that the combination of sugar and acidic environment in lemonades and energy drinks enhances enamel destruction. If you drink such beverages regularly and don't care about thorough hygiene, the risk of developing cavities increases several times.

At the same time, sweets are not an absolute evil, the orthodontist believes.

"If teeth are brushed properly and regularly, and additional hygiene products are used - dental floss and irrigator - sweets will not cause significant harm. The issue is not the products themselves, but how long they remain in the mouth," she explained.

Baragunova reminded that effective tooth brushing should take at least two minutes and be performed twice a day. It's important to pay attention to technique and clean not only the front surfaces of the teeth, but also the sides, interdental spaces, and the gum line.

"When factors coincide - sweet food, insufficient hygiene, and infrequent visits to the dentist - teeth inevitably suffer. But if you follow the rules of care, it's quite safe to allow yourself a favorite dessert," the doctor concluded.