Despite researchers numerous attempts to do so, sugar has not been proven singularly guilty in the cases of obesity, tooth decay, hyperactivity nor other maladies people like to blame on it. However, there is no scientifically proven link, perhaps because it has been impossible to separate the effects of sugar consumption from the effects of eating too many calories and obesity. Studies show that when sugar intake goes up, fat intake usually does also - and physical activity decreases. So, along with sugar, other suspects include, too much dietary fat, too little exercise and, also, genetics. Cavities are caused by the acid that is produced when bacteria in the mouth chow down on all those tasty, leftover food particles.
Bacteria are especially fond of all types of carbohydrates.
More than the simple presence of carbohydrate is the problem. How sticky that carbohydrate is and how long it hangs around are more important, because it gives those bacteria more time to do their work. Water will help to wash the carbohydrate off of the teeth. For years, the debate over the contribution of sugar to hyperactive behavior in children has been waged. Numerous, inconclusive studies have added fuel to the fire.