Sugar bugs are a nickname for the bacteria in your mouth that produce plaque, which leads to cavities. You can get rid of these bacteria by limiting the amount of sugary or starchy foods you consume and brushing your teeth regularly.
What do real sugar bugs look like? According to Health, the tiny whitish worms you see in sugar are maggots of a fly called the spotted wing drosophila (SWD). It’s an invasive species from East Asia that was first found in US strawberries and small fruit crops in 2008.
The SWD fly uses its serrated egg-laying device to lay its eggs inside undamaged berries. When they hatch, the larvae feed on the juices inside ripe strawberries and other fruits. They can also infest melon, squash and tomato crops.
While these bugs can be a nuisance for home growers, they do not pose a significant threat to human health. In addition, if you store your sugar properly, they won’t be a problem. Store your sugar in airtight containers to avoid bug infestations.
Instilling dental health habits early is important for families. This can be done by using storytelling to make dental hygiene fun. Introducing your kids to the story of the sugar bugs can help them understand why it’s important to brush their teeth. It’s also important to visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings.
