Final answer:
Excessive sugar intake contributes to empty calories and dental caries by promoting acid production from oral bacteria, leading to tooth decay. Reducing sugar and maintaining dental hygiene are essential for preventing these issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problem with an excess amount of sugar in the diet is that it provides empty calories and promotes dental caries. Excessive consumption of foods and beverages high in sugar, including sugary soft drinks, candies, and processed snacks, leads to a higher intake of calories with low nutritional value. These are known as empty calories. Further contributing to health issues, these sugars stimulate microbial activity within the mouth, particularly from bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. The metabolic processes of these bacteria produce acids that dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel and promote the formation of dental caries. Furthermore, when plaque formed by bacteria combines with sugars from the diet, it can calcify into tartar, exacerbating oral health problems.
Good dental hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and dental cleanings, can help prevent tooth decay. Reducing the intake of sugary foods and drinks and replacing them with healthier alternatives can also decrease the risk of developing dental caries. When sugars are limited, the production of harmful acids in the mouth is reduced, which helps to protect the teeth from decay.