Does consuming honey cause cavities?

Dental Caries, Clinically Known as Caries Disease

Eating honey in itself does not cause dental caries, but excessive consumption without paying attention to oral hygiene may increase the risk of developing caries. Dental caries primarily arise from the utilization of sugar by cariogenic microorganisms. Honey is a relatively sweet food with a high sugar content. When large amounts of honey are consumed without emphasis on oral hygiene, more sugar residues accumulate on the gum surface, which may lead to bacteria in the mouth breaking down the sugar on the tooth surface, producing acidic substances that subsequently erode the tooth structure, thereby increasing the risk of caries. However, if honey is consumed in moderation and the mouth is cleaned promptly afterward, such as by drinking some water to dilute the residual honey or brushing teeth and rinsing the mouth, the amount of sugar broken down by bacteria in the mouth is limited, making it less likely to develop caries.

It is crucial to maintain oral hygiene when consuming honey.

The occurrence of dental caries is also closely related to oral hygiene habits. Factors like frequent intake of sweets and inadequate brushing can increase the risk of caries. To prevent dental caries, it is recommended to maintain regular mealtimes, brush teeth in the morning and evening, rinse the mouth after meals, and use dental floss and interdental brushes correctly to clean between teeth. Additionally, regular oral examinations and teeth cleaning are effective methods to prevent dental caries and other oral issues.