This week while seeing a patient for an examination during their six month recare visit with our hygienist Karen, I asked the patient how they kept their mouth in such great shape. (Doesn’t everyone wish their dentist would say that to them?) Our patient said in response that he stayed away from donuts. I asked him what they meant by that. He replied that he knew that sugar causes tooth decay and he did not want that, so he limited his treats to twice a year -once every six months on the same day he has his cleaning appointment. While most of us don’t exercise the same incredible discipline with our sugar intake, I am curious how many people really understand that tooth decay (cavities) is certainly related to our diet. As my patient reminded me this week, less sugar = less tooth decay!