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Dental caries occur when the demineralization of the enamel exceeds its demineralization capacity. Dental caries is a dynamic process that involves susceptible tooth surfaces, cariogenic bacteria, mainly Streptococcus mutans, and a fermentable carbohydrate source. Sucrose is the most common dietary sugar and is considered the most cariogenic carbohydrate. Frequent consumption of carbohydrates in the form of simple sugars increases the risk of dental caries. This article discusses the role of sugar in developing dental caries, provides concise dietary guidelines for expecting mothers, children, and adults, and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in preventing dental caries through dietary education. Objectives: Explain how sugars are classified and summarize the types of sweeteners available. Review the role of sugar in developing dental caries, including the impact of the amount and frequency of intake. Describe the dietary recommendations to prevent dental caries according to age. Outline the role of an interdisciplinary health care team in providing dietary advice to prevent dental caries. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Dental caries is a dynamic process that involves susceptible tooth surfaces, cariogenic bacteria, mainly Streptococcus mutans, and a fermentable carbohydrate source. Sucrose is the most common dietary sugar and is considered the most cariogenic carbohydrate.[1][2] Frequent consumption of carbohydrates in the form of simple sugars increases the risk of dental caries.[3][4] Other factors, including poor oral hygiene, salivary gland hypofunction, socioeconomic status, parenting practices, and genetics, also play a significant role. This article discusses the role of sugar in developing dental caries and provides concise dietary guidelines for expecting mothers, children, and adults.

The incidence of dental caries has increased significantly over the past few decades. Part of the reason is the excess intake of added sugars. Dental caries is associated with increased morbidity: dental pain, infection, and cosmetic disfigurement, ultimately leading to premature loss of teeth. Nutrition is a modifiable parameter that plays a crucial role in preventing dental caries, as sugar is required for the disease to occur.[3] The risk of caries increases with more frequent and higher free sugar intake and consumption of food, with a tendency to be retained in the oral tissues for longer.[10] Free sugar intake between meals is also associated with higher caries rates.[10]  An interdisciplinary team of dentists, general practitioners, nurses, and dieticians must work together to ensure patients are well informed of the connection between proper nutrition and oral health and receive dietary advice to prevent dental caries and other systemic conditions related to poor nutrition. Healthcare professionals must also perform basic nutrition screening and assess patients' diets. Furthermore, dental hygienists can also provide dietary advice along with oral hygiene instructions. Collaboration between all these health care providers will greatly improve patients' outcomes.