In my previous post, I elucidated the importance of regular tooth care to avoid cavities; however your diet can be the culprit too. Eating healthy is just as important as routine brushing and flossing.
The teeth has to go through a cycle of de-mineralization and re-mineralization, which means that they slowly breakdown and then repair themselves, and your dietary intake is in charge to strike the balance.
Blame it on the Sugars:
If you have read my previous blog on Caries, you already know that the dietary components that contribute mostly in development of caries are fermentable carbohydrates. The food products containing sugar and sticky food are fermented by bacteria present in the mouth to produce acids responsible in erosion of the tooth. Sucrose has been identified as the arch-criminal in inducing dental caries. Sucrose refined from sugar canes or sugar beets is the most common dietary sugar and is largely responsible for the effects of sugar as described here. In addition to well-known sweet products such as candies, cakes, desserts, jam, dried fruits and soft drinks, surprisingly a large variety of other common foods contain added sucrose, e.g. most breakfast cereals, many milk products, some meat and fish products, salads, dressings, ketchup, etc.
Again it is important to remember that the frequency of sugar intake is more important than the amount of sugar consumed, so one has to cut down on frequent eating/snacking.
The Balancing Act:
The caries inducing effect of sugar is modified (either increased or reduced) in several ways by other foods. Caries reducing effect of phosphates, which are found naturally in many foods (especially unrefined cereals) or which could be added to foods has been demonstrated to be effective and safe. Nuts (cashews, peanuts, almonds and walnuts) are rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphate, which are important nutrients for the tooth and are vital in re-mineralization of teeth. Vitamin A (sources: mango, peach, carrot, spinach, apricot) and Vitamin C (sources: citrus fruits, muskmelon, strawberry, broccoli, potato, tomato) play a role in maintaining healthy teeth. Fluoride, proteins and fats also prevents in development of caries.
Guru Mantra: Drink plenty of water which will help flush food particles from your mouth.
For the little ones:
American Dental Association recommends:
· Limiting the frequency of consumption of drinks with sugar.
· Avoid giving baby bottles filled with milk or juices to put the infants to sleep (if unavoidable, give water instead).
· Mothers/ Caregivers should avoid sharing utensils and cups with their infants to prevent transfer of bacteria from their mouth to the children.
Preventive Care:
As discussed in the previous post “Sealants” are a great way to avoid cavities, as they form a protective layer and saves from the acid attack. Sealant is a liquid resin used to fill those grooves in the enamel of a tooth, where the food usually gets stuck and is difficult to clean. Sealants usually are long lasting, but they may sometime need replacement if damaged.
Your dentist can advice you further on a diet plan.
About the author:
Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.
The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.
She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.
E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com
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