Nutrition

The most important thing in controlling dental decay is that we break the chain of events that causes cavities.

 

PLAQUE (bacteria) + SUGAR = ACID + TOOTH ENAMEL = DECAY

Bacteria in the plaque use sugar to produce acids which attack the enamel on your teeth resulting in tooth decay.

From the equation above, you will see there are three ways we can prevent the formation of cavities.

 

Reduce the level of plaque

 

By reducing the level of plaque (bacteria) in our mouths, less acid will be produced. This is done by brushing and flossing after meals to wash away bacteria and food debri. We use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill remaining bacteria.

Diet control (Sugar control)

We reduce the time harmful sugars are present in our mouths by eliminating sugary snacks and choosing foods that do not adhere to the teeth. The rate that decay attacks a tooth is directly related to the number of times per day that we eat foods which contain sugar. So it is not surprising that many cavities appear within a short time when a child eats lollies all-day-long between meals. Hence, reduce the frequency and amount of sugary and acidic food and drinks and try to limit these foods to mealtimes.

 

Making the Enamel more resistant to acid attack

We recommend you use a fluoride mouthrinse and a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride ions bond chemically with the teeth, producing tooth enamel which is then more resistant to the attack of acids.

Eating sugar-rich foods between normal meals is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. Many people think nothing of having sugar in their tea or coffee. This has the same effect as eating sweets.

If you avoid the foods which "trigger" the decay-producing acid, you eliminate one cause of tooth decay.

Use the following list as a guide to the "right kinds" of snacks to promote better dental health.

Always read manufacturers labels for hidden sugars.

 

EAT MORE OF THESE	EAT LESS OF THESE
DAIRY GROUP Milk, cheese, plain yoghurt.	DAIRY GROUP Chocolate milk, ice cream shakes, pudding, commercially prepared yoghurt.
FRUIT & VEGETABLES All fresh fruits and vegetables and their unsweetened juices. (note-many juices are labelled "no added sugar" but are in fact rich in sugar).	FRUIT & VEGETABLES Dried fruits, fruits packed in syrups, sweetened canned fruit sweetened juices, powdered drinks, jams, jelly, preserves, with added sugar.
BREAD AND CEREAL GROUP Popcorn, crackers, toast	BREAD AND CEREAL GROUP Biscuits, pies, cakes, mints, caramels, doughnuts.
MEAT & FISH Nuts, eggs, peanut butter, lunchmeats, and tuna	OTHER Chewing gum, candy, syrups, icing, sweet sauces, caramels, candy coated nuts.
OTHER Sugarless gum, diet drinks, olives, pickles, coffee and tea with artificial sweeteners.

If you would like more information nutrition in sydney please contact Smile Concepts directly by clicking here or ringing 02 9267 7777