Decay Prevention
Tooth decay damages your teeth and leads to fillings or even extractions. Decay happens when SUGAR reacts with the bacteria in plaque. This forms the acids that attack the teeth and destroy the enamel. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel may break down forming a hole. Food and drinks containing sugar cause decay. Sugar can come in many forms, for example: sucrose, fructose and glucose.
Acidic foods and drinks can also damage your teeth. The acid erodes the enamel, exposing the dentine underneath. Examples of acidic food include: ALL fizzy drinks such as cola, red wine, vinegar, fruit juices such as orange juice.
Steps you can take to prevent tooth decay and the need for treatment:
- Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks- Every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour. So it is important to keep sugary foods only to mealtimes, limiting the amount of time your mouth is at risk.
- Snack on Foods such as cheese, fruit, nuts and vegetables.
- Always read the label. When you are reading food labels remember that ‘no added sugar’ does not necessarily mean that the product is sugar free. It simply means that no extra sugar has been added. Many processed foods have sugar in them, and the higher up it appears in the list of ingredients, the more sugar there is in the product. Sugars may also be listed as sucrose, fructose, glucose or carbohydrates.
- Use a straw when you have fizzy drinks - this helps the drink to go to the back of the mouth and reduces the acid attacks on the teeth.
- Chew sugar-free gum - it stimulates saliva, which helps to cancel out the acid in your mouth after eating or drinking thus preventing dental decay and erosion.
- A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh produce can help to prevent gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and cause bad breath.
- Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
