Most people know that sugar is bad for your teeth. But what many don’t realise is that acidic foods and drinks can be just as damaging.
Understanding what to look out for can help you protect your teeth and avoid unnecessary dental treatment.
Sugary foods and drinks are one of the main causes of tooth decay.
When you consume sugar, bacteria in your mouth feed on it and produce acid. This acid attacks the outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel. Over time, this can lead to cavities.
Once decay forms, it will not heal on its own and requires a filling. If left untreated, the decay can reach the nerve of the tooth, leading to pain and infection. At that stage, more complex treatment such as a root canal or even removal of the tooth may be required.
Not all sugars are equal when it comes to dental health.
The most harmful tend to be:
Sticky sugars are especially damaging because they stay on the teeth for longer, giving bacteria more time to produce acid.
While some acidic foods can be beneficial for your overall health, too much exposure can wear away enamel. This process is known as erosion.
Unlike decay, which is caused by bacteria, erosion happens when acids directly dissolve the tooth surface.
Over time, this can lead to:
You might be surprised by how many everyday foods and drinks are acidic:
Frequency plays a big role in dental damage.
You do not need to avoid these foods completely, but a few simple habits can make a big difference:
Sugar and acid are two of the biggest threats to your teeth. While sugar fuels bacteria that cause decay, acid can directly wear away your enamel.
Being mindful of both can help you prevent sensitivity, avoid dental treatment, and keep your smile strong and healthy for life.
WESTFIELD KNOX
Westfield Knox Shopping Centre (Walk through from Priceline Pharmacy or MedCentral Knox) 1060/425 Burwood Hwy Wantirna South VIC 3152
OPENING HOURS
Weekdays: 9am to 5pm
Open Saturday: 9am to 3pm
Principal Dentist
Speaks English and Vietnamese
Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.
With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.
Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.
Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.
She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.
Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.
She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.
In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.
Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.
Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.
In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.
Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.
Speaks English
Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.
Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.
Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.
