Sweet Danger: Study Confirms Sugar Consumption Significantly Raises Risk of Cavities in Young Children
New Research Shows Kids Who Eat Sugar Early Are 59% More Likely to Develop Tooth Decay
Dental caries—commonly known as cavities or tooth decay—remains the most prevalent chronic disease affecting children worldwide. A comprehensive new study has now quantified just how much early sugar consumption increases the risk: children who consume sugar in their early years are nearly 60% more likely to develop dental caries compared to those who don't.
The Global Challenge of Early Childhood Caries
Early childhood caries (ECC) affects an estimated 621 million children globally, with more than half of children under six years old experiencing the condition in most countries. Beyond the immediate pain and discomfort, ECC significantly impacts children's overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
Understanding the factors that drive this epidemic is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. While the link between sugar and cavities has long been suspected, researchers sought to determine the precise magnitude of this relationship using the most rigorous scientific evidence available.
What the Researchers Did
An international team of scientists from Brazil and the Netherlands conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis—considered the gold standard in medical research—to answer a straightforward question: Is sugar consumption associated with early childhood caries in children under 6 years of age?
The team searched five major scientific databases and identified 718 studies on the topic. After careful screening, they included 17 cohort studies (longitudinal studies that follow children over time) in their review, with 9 providing enough data for statistical pooling.
The studies spanned from 1985 to 2023 and covered populations across Europe, Brazil, Asia, Australia, and the United States. Importantly, all included studies were rated as having low risk of bias, strengthening confidence in the findings.
The Key Findings
The meta-analysis revealed a pooled odds ratio of 1.59, meaning children exposed to sugar early in life had a 59% higher likelihood of developing dental caries compared to children with limited or no sugar exposure.
Fifteen of the 17 studies reported a positive association between sugar intake and ECC. The strongest effect was observed for candy consumption, which more than doubled the risk of cavities (OR 2.28).
Perhaps most concerning: eleven studies documented sugar exposure occurring before children reached their first birthday. The research shows that early introduction of sugary foods shapes dietary preferences and eating patterns that persist into later childhood, compounding the risk of cavities and other chronic diseases.
Why This Matters
The findings reinforce recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD), which advise:
Limiting free sugar intake to less than 5% of total energy consumption
Avoiding added sugars entirely for children under 2 years of age
The researchers emphasize that prevention efforts should focus on both individual education and population-level policy interventions—including sugar-free environments in schools, restrictions on advertising sugary products to children, and taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages.
The Bottom Line
This comprehensive analysis of longitudinal studies confirms what dental professionals have long warned: sugar consumption in early childhood is a major driver of tooth decay. For parents and caregivers, the message is clear—delaying and limiting sugar introduction can significantly protect children's dental health.
As the study authors note, educating parents about avoiding sugary foods early in life is crucial not only for preventing cavities but also for reducing the risk of other chronic diseases associated with high sugar consumption throughout life.
Reference
Echeverria MS, Mathias FB, Schuch HS, Cenci MS, Correa MB, Huysmans MC, Demarco FF. Sugar consumption and early childhood caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Brazilian Oral Research. 2025;39:e122.