Dental Decay

Dental decay is probably the most common disease and in most cases preventable. It is caused by consuming sugary foods and drinks too often.

What is Dental Decay?

When we eat sugar it is quickly absorbed by the bacteria in the plaque layer on the surface of the teeth. The bacteria absorb the sugar and converts it into acid. The acid de-mineralise (dissolves) the tooth surface.
 
This is often called an ‘acid attack’

The more frequently we eat or drink sugary foods the more acid attacks our teeth will encounter. Eventually the teeth will begin to break down and decay.

 

So how do we prevent it?

Saliva helps to wash away and neutralise the acid caused by eating sugar. However this can take up to two hours to complete. Therefore by eating or drinking sugary foods frequently we don’t give the saliva sufficient time to do its job.


By cutting out sugary snacks and drinks and eating healthy sugar-free snacks in between meals we can reduce the number of acid attacks we have per day. This gives the saliva time to wash away the acid and ‘re-mineralise’ the teeth.
 
Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only!!
 
Try to get into the habit of reading food labels. This way you can make healthy food choices.
Choose to eat sugar-free foods in between meals. Fresh fruit and vegetables, plain bagels, plain toast and bread sticks are all great. However, there are lots of sugar free foods to choose from so you won’t get bored.

 

Remember foods such as dried fruit and fruit juice and smoothies are all high in sugar and can cause dental decay. These foods should also only be eaten as part of a meal.
Brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help to strengthen and protect the teeth.

  • Limit the amount of acidic drinks and foods you consume.
  • Drink milk and water as these are the only safe drinks for teeth.
  • Keep all other drinks to mealtimes only.
  • Reduce the number of times a day you eat acidic foods.
  • Eating Cheese and drinking milk may be beneficial.
  • Avoid brushing teeth for twenty minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks.
  • Always use fluoride toothpaste that contains 1350 -1500 parts per million fluoride (1350ppm) to help to strengthen the enamel.

 

 

Remember: Prevention is better than a cure. Yes it's an old cliché but if you take care of your smile now you can reduce the likelihood of treatment needed in the future.